Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
European Spine Journal, cilt.34, sa.11, ss.5334-5342, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)
Background: Sports medicine physicians, like pediatricians and family physicians, are among the professionals who have the opportunity to assess healthy adolescents and conduct pre-participation evaluations. They can play a critical role in the early diagnosis of scoliosis and in ensuring that patients remain physically active and participate in sports activities. This study aims to evaluate the frequency of scoliosis assessment and the knowledge of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) among sports medicine physicians in Türkiye. Methods: A 20-question online survey was prepared, combining a previously tested 10-question survey about the 2011 SOSORT guidelines with 10 additional questions designed by the researchers. These additional questions evaluated the demographic characteristics of sports medicine physicians and their scoliosis assessment practices in daily clinical settings. Sports medicine specialists and residents in Turkey were invited to participate in the study through the Turkish Sports Medicine Association. A total of 195 individuals were invited to participate. Results: A total of 110 participants completed the survey. Of the respondents, 79.1% reported assessing scoliosis during pre-participation examinations. Analysis revealed that 73.6% could define IS, 94.5% identified when IS is most likely to develop, and 70.9% correctly stated that the etiology of IS is unknown. Additionally, 58.2% of participants were aware of the diagnostic criteria, and 83,6% correctly identified bracing indications for IS. However, only 32.7% could determine the appropriate treatment approach using therapeutic exercise. Notably, only 13.8% of sports medicine physicians reported using a scoliometer during scoliosis screening. Conclusion: While sports medicine physicians demonstrate adequate knowledge of scoliosis definition, etiology, and diagnostic criteria, their knowledge of scoliosis screening methods and therapeutic exercise appears insufficient. Sports medicine physicians, when trained in scoliosis screening methods, can play a vital role in the early detection of AIS.