Scoliosis: Intrinsic changes in musculoskeletal tissue
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Scoliosis: Intrinsic changes in musculoskeletal tissue
IRAS ID
256224
Contact name
Simon W Jones
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Birmingham
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Adolescent idiopathic Scoliosis is the most common paediatric spinal deformity characterised as 3-dimensional structural failure of the spine. It affects 2-3% of this population. It is a highly heterogeneous condition with some patients exhibiting rapidly progressive aggressive curves. Patient management including bracing, growth modulation and fusion are all associated with significant morbidity. Therefore, identifying the central musculoskeletal pathogenic drivers will facilitate the development of therapeutic strategies and will to identify markers of aggressive curves to inform clinicians and patients early in the disease process.
Aims of the study
This study has the following primary objectives
1. To describe the molecular phenotype of musculoskeletal tissue in patients with scoliosis
2. To identify phenotype markers and their relationship to clinically relevant disease variables, including curve severity, speed of progression, failure of bracing, progression to surgery, vertical body tethering and post-operative complications.Study Design
For this study we will recruit a total of 22 scoliosis patients between the ages of 13 and 18. Children will be recruited from the Children’s Hospital, Birmingham and the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham. The study will be run on a competitive recruitment basis with the first 22 patients recruited irrespective of their age or curve severity. Patient radiographs will be assessed for curve severity and spinal musculoskeletal tissue will be analysed (gene expression analysis and microCT).Outcome
We will determine the phenotype of musculoskeletal tissue in patients with scoliosis and how this relates to clinical variables.REC name
West Midlands - South Birmingham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/WM/0083
Date of REC Opinion
10 Jul 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion