Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

The Use of DXA in Scoliosis

This small study aims to see how well a special type of scan, called an iDXA, can measure the curve of the spine in young people with scoliosis. We want to find out if the pictures from the iDXA, taken while lying down, are clear enough to accurately measure the spine's curve. We'll also ask patients how they feel about having an iDXA scan compared to their usual standing X-rays. Because standing X-rays are normal, and iDXA scans are done lying down, we want to understand how these different types of pictures compare. If the iDXA scans show promise, they could help doctors design and monitor back braces for scoliosis.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

Start

08 May 2024

Estimated completion

01 Jun 2026

Scoliosis Idiopathic

What is this study about?

Scoliosis is a condition where the spine has a curve. To keep an eye on this curve, doctors usually take X-rays of your back while you are standing up. This helps them see how the curve is changing and if you need a brace or other treatment. This study is looking at a different kind of scan called an iDXA. This scan is a bit like an X-ray but it's usually used to measure bone density. For this study, we are seeing if we can use it to get good pictures of the spine while someone is lying down.

The main goal is to find out three things. First, can these iDXA scans give clear enough pictures to accurately measure the curve in the spine? Second, how do the pictures taken while lying down compare to the usual standing X-ray pictures? This is important because the way you stand or lie can sometimes make the curve look different. Finally, we want to know what patients think about having an iDXA scan. Do they find it comfortable? Do they prefer it to their usual X-rays?

By understanding all of this, we hope to see if iDXA scans could be a useful tool for doctors in the future. For example, if they give good pictures, they might help doctors design braces that fit better or check if a brace is working well. This is a small, early study, and its findings will help us decide if it's worth doing bigger studies on iDXA for scoliosis.

Key takeaways

It's a small study checking a new type of scan (iDXA) for scoliosis.
The study wants to see if iDXA can accurately measure spinal curves.
It will also find out how patients feel about iDXA scans compared to regular X-rays.
Participation involves one extra quick scan, taken while lying down.
Results could help improve brace design and monitoring in the future.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for children and young people who have a type of scoliosis called Idiopathic Scoliosis. This includes those aged 10-16 with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) or those aged 4-9 with Juvenile Idiopathic Scoliosis (JIS). To join, you would be having a regular X-ray to see if your spinal curve is changing or to help design a new brace.

We are also including patients of different ages who have quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy (CP) and scoliosis, who are having an X-ray to check their curve. For these patients, the doctor will check if you can lie still comfortably for the scan before asking you to take part.

You cannot take part if your parents or guardians have difficulty understanding what the study involves, or if you find it hard to lie still for 1-2 minutes.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Do you have Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (aged 10-16) or Juvenile Idiopathic Scoliosis (aged 4-9)?
Are you having a regular X-ray for scoliosis curve changes or brace planning?
Do your parents or guardians understand what the study involves?
Can you lie still comfortably for about 1-2 minutes?
Do you have quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy and scoliosis, and able to lie still?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in this study, you will have one extra scan called a DXA scan. This scan will be done while you are lying down on a bed. This is in addition to your normal standing or sitting X-rays that you would be having anyway as part of your routine care for scoliosis. A trained radiographer will perform the DXA scan, and a spinal surgeon or specialist nurse will explain the study and ask for your consent. The scan itself is quick, lasting only 1-2 minutes while you lie still. This study is expected to last for a total of 9 months and involve about 25 patients overall.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part means you'll have one extra scan, which uses a very small amount of radiation, similar to an X-ray. You might find lying still for the scan a bit uncomfortable, but it's very quick. However, your involvement could help doctors understand if this scan can improve how they manage scoliosis curves and design braces in the future, potentially benefiting other patients. You are free to change your mind and stop participating in the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
Sheffield, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a medical condition where your spine, or backbone, has an unusual curve to it.

What is an iDXA scan?

An iDXA scan is a special type of scan that's a bit like an X-ray, but it's usually used to measure bone strength. In this study, we're seeing if it can also get good pictures of the spine's curve.

Will this scan hurt?

No, the scan itself is painless. You just need to lie still on a bed for a couple of minutes while the pictures are taken.

How long will the extra scan take?

The extra DXA scan is very quick, usually lasting only about 1 to 2 minutes where you need to lie still.

Will this study change my scoliosis treatment?

No, this is a pilot study to see if the iDXA scan is useful. It won't change your current or planned scoliosis treatment during the study.