Convex-side medial loading during early stance in thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A pedobarographic analysis.

Authors

Ali Eren, Cem Ismail Gungor, Furkan Aral, Ethem Burak Oklaz, Baris Akin, Ulunay Kanatli

Published in

Journal of orthopaedic surgery (Hong Kong). Volume 34. Issue 3. Pages 10225536261491553. Epub Sep 19, 2026.

Abstract

BackgroundAdolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) alters trunk alignment and may lead to asymmetrical lower limb loading. While gait alterations in AIS have been described, detailed convex-concave side comparisons using temporally specific pedobarographic metrics remain largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate side-specific plantar pressure asymmetries during gait in adolescents with thoracic or thoracic-dominant AIS.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on adolescents with AIS recruited from a scoliosis outpatient clinic. Only thoracic or thoracic-dominant curves (Lenke Types 1-4) were included. Barefoot walking was assessed using dynamic pedobarography (Novel emed®). Convex and concave sides were defined by the direction of the major spinal curve. Plantar pressure variables included maximum force, peak pressure, force-time and pressure-time integrals, foot contact area, medial and lateral loading, center of pressure excursion index, foot progression angle, and arch index. Paired comparisons between the convex and concave sides were performed.ResultsForty-five adolescents (mean age 15.71 ± 2.22 years; 31 females) were included. The convex side demonstrated significantly greater maximum force (518.81±120.89 vs. 512.76±119.51 N, p=0.01), medial loading (151.87±57.84 vs. 146.66±57.35 N.s, p=0.04), and contact area (126.07±18.24 vs. 124.13±21.17 cm², p=0.04). Early stance revealed a reduced center of pressure excursion index (12.43±8.59 vs. 16.06 ± 9.82 %, p=0.03). No significant side-to-side differences were found in the peak pressure, total loading, foot progression angle, arch index, or pronation-supination index during the mid-to-late stance.ConclusionsAdolescents with thoracic or thoracic-dominant AIS present with a convex-side early-stance medial loading pattern compatible with pronation, though total loading remains symmetric.

PMID:
42760858
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 19 Sep 2026.

Read full publication at:
Please sign in to see all details.

Stats

1-terrible, 9-excellent. How would you rate this publication? Sign in in to submit your rating.

Post a comment

You need to be signed in to post comments. You can sign in here.

Comments

There are no comments yet.