Background: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is one of the most common spine deformities in the pediatric population. Current studies showed low bone mineral density was found in scoliotic patients, and significant osteopenia might associate with curve progression. Several strategies have been used for evaluating bone mineral density in AIS patients, but without standardization.

Methods: This study included patients < 18 years old with diagnosis of AIS, with major Cobb’s angle greater than 45 degrees which meet the criteria of surgical intervention and were scheduled for scoliosis correction surgery. During admission, total body bone mineral density of these patients was evaluated with total body (less head) DEXA bone scan. Demographic, radiographic and DEXA scan data was then analyzed.

Results: A total of nine patient met our criteria, including eight females and 1 male. Mean age is 14.2 years old. Average height and weight were 158.0cm and 43.1kg. The mean bone mineral density of total body (except head) by using dual x-ray absorptiometry is 0.826 g/cm2.

Conclusions: In conclusion, low bone mineral density was found in most AIS patients by using total body (less head) DEXA bone scan.

Chi-Yung Yeung is an attending orthopedic surgeon at China Medical University Hospital (CMUH Medical Center) - Taipei Branch. He received his M.D. from the National Defense Medical Center of Taiwan. Dr. Yeung previously served as an attending physician at Taipei Veterans General Hospital's Department of Orthopedics and received international training at UCSF Medical Center (Spine Center at Parnassus Heights and Benioff Children's Hospital) and the Scoliosis Center of Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego. Dr. Yeung is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty certifications in spine surgery, hand surgery, precision medicine, and osteoporosis management. He is also a certified practitioner in cell therapy techniques and a Ministry of Education-certified lecturer, teaching at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and the National Defense Medical Center of Taiwan. As an active researcher, Dr. Yeung has published extensively in international journals, and numerous award-winning papers have been recognized. His clinical interests include minimally invasive spine surgery, spinal deformities, musculoskeletal trauma, and pediatric orthopedics.