Hip-related functional limitations in individuals with idiopathic scoliosis: a controlled trial

Since scoliosis is a three-dimensional deformity, it causes some movement limitations in the spine and related joints. However, functional limitations associated with scoliosis-related hip joint involvement are the subject of research.

This study aims to investigate the physical characteristics and functional limitations associated with idiopathic scoliosis (IS), focusing on hip joint.

Demographic characteristics, scoliosis-specific assessments and hip joint active range of motion (RoM), lumbar mobility (Modified Schober test), lumbopelvic stability (Single leg squat test-SLS), hip joint position sense, lower extremity balance (Y-balance test) and lower extremity functionality (Lower extremity functional scale-LEFS) were evaluated.

The study included 120 individuals, with 86 in the scoliosis group (mean age: 15.7 ± 3.4 years) and 34 in the control group (mean age: 16.1 ± 4.8 years). The scoliosis group exhibited limited RoM of the hip joint in flexion, extension, right abduction, adduction, internal rotation, and left external rotation compared to controls (p < 0.001). Lumbar mobility was decreased (p < 0.001). In the joint position sense test, the mean difference for right flexion was and for left flexion. Bilateral decreased SLS test performances (p < 0.001) and Y-balance test performance (p < 0.05) in individuals with IS. LEFS scores were statistically different but not clinically different between groups (p < 0.05).

Individuals with IS show decreased hip mobility, lumbopelvic stability, hip joint position sense, and balance compared to healthy peers; however, these limitations do not have a clinical impact on daily living activities.