Scoliosis: A Silent Spinal Epidemic in India

According to the report of Borkar et al. (2022, Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery), scoliosis is an under-recognized spinal condition in India, with potentially millions affected, though exact numbers remain unclear due to limited screening and low awareness. 

Many patients suffer from spinal deformities, respiratory issues, chronic pain, poor posture, and significant psychological and social distress. Despite the serious impact, early diagnosis and access to effective treatment remain inadequate. Traditional bracing methods often fail to correct or halt the curve progression, and there’s a significant gap in structured training for Indian prosthetics and orthotics (P&O) professionals on modern, non-surgical, evidence-based scoliosis management techniques.

Bridging this gap through awareness, early screening, multidisciplinary approaches, and evidence-based training is essential for better outcomes.