Radiation-free ultrasound screening for scoliosis in Hong Kong schoolchildren
Using Radiation-free Ultrasound for Screening Scoliosis Among School Children in Hong Kong to Reduce Unnecessary X-ray Exposure
This project will try a radiation-free ultrasound device called Scolioscan to screen Hong Kong schoolchildren referred for possible adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and see if it can reduce unnecessary x-rays.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 160 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Joint Scoliosis Research Center of the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Nanjing University Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong, 新界) |
| Trial ID | NCT07490886 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This longitudinal observational project will use the Scolioscan ultrasound system to screen school-aged adolescents in Hong Kong who are referred for scoliosis and will compare ultrasound-derived spinal curvature measures with radiographic standards when x-rays are clinically indicated. Repeated non‑ionizing measurements will be taken over time to monitor curve progression without routine exposure to radiation. The primary aim is to quantify agreement between Scolioscan measures and the standard Cobb angle and to determine whether ultrasound could safely reduce the number of screening x‑rays. Children with extreme body stature that prevents reliable ultrasound imaging will be excluded.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Hong Kong schoolchildren referred for scoliosis screening for suspected adolescent idiopathic scoliosis who do not have extreme body stature that limits ultrasound.
Not a fit: Children with extreme body stature, severe deformity requiring radiographic planning, or other conditions that prevent reliable ultrasound imaging may not receive benefit from Scolioscan screening.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, Scolioscan could reduce children's exposure to ionizing radiation by lowering the need for screening x‑rays.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have reported promising agreement between Scolioscan ultrasound measures and radiographic Cobb angles, though large-scale school-based screening evidence is still limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * referred for scoliosis screening Exclusion Criteria: * extreme body stature
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong, 新界
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong — Hong Kong, 新界, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Cheuk Kin Kwan, MBChB, MSc
- Email: ericckkwan@cuhk.edu.hk
- Phone: +852 52282369
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.