Scoliosis is a complex three-dimensional torsional deformity in the spine and torso, with an established diagnostic criterion of a Cobb angle >10 degrees measured by Röntgen radiation (x-ray) [1]. Yet scoliosis in school children and adolescents is sometimes overlooked without periodic screening. Thus, treatment is usually recommended for them in the progressive period of the […]

Irisin, a myokine derived from fibronectin type III domain-containing 5 (FNDC5), is increasingly recognized for its protective role in musculoskeletal health through the modulation of mitochondrial quality control. This review synthesizes the current understanding of irisin’s impact on mitochondrial biogenesis, dynamics, and autophagy in skeletal muscle, elucidating its capacity to bolster muscle strength, endurance, and resilience against oxidative-stress-induced muscle atrophy. The multifunctional nature of irisin extends to bone metabolism, where it promotes osteoblast proliferation and differentiation, offering a potential intervention for osteoporosis and other musculoskeletal disorders. Mitochondrial quality control is vital for cellular metabolism, particularly in energy-demanding tissues. Irisin’s influence on this process is highlighted, suggesting its integral role in maintaining cellular homeostasis. The review also touches upon the regulatory mechanisms of irisin secretion, predominantly induced by exercise, and its systemic effects as an endocrine factor. While the therapeutic potential of irisin is promising, the need for standardized measurement techniques and further elucidation of its mechanisms in humans is acknowledged. The collective findings underscore the burgeoning interest in irisin as a keystone in musculoskeletal health and a candidate for future therapeutic strategies.

Neck pain is a very common symptom globally, especially in middle-aged and elderly people [1–4]. The findings of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017 (GBD 2017) highlighted its high global prevalence and determined it as the leading cause of the burden of disability, especially in highly developed countries [1]. China encompasses a vast territory […]

Purpose: The “normal” cervical spine may be non-lordotic shapes and the cervical spine alignment targets are less well established. So, the study was to propose novel classification for cervical spine morphologies with Chinese asymptomatic subjects, and to address cervical balance status based on the classification. Method: An overall 632 asymptomatic individuals on cervical spine were selected from January 2020 to December 2022, with six age groups from 20–30 year to 70 plus group. Cervical alignment contained C2-7 cervical lordosis (C2-7 CL) and T1 slope (T1S), together with C1-2 CL, C2-4 CL, C5-7 CL, C2S, cervical sagittal vertical axis (CSVA), thoracic inlet angle (TIA) and neck tilt (NT). C2-7 cervical lordosis was regarded as primary outcomes. To identify groups with similar cervical alignment parameters, a 2-step cluster analysis was performed. Results: C2-7 CL, T1S, CSVA, TIA and NT increased by age and mean value of them were larger in male than female group. Four unique clusters of female lordotic cluster, female kyphotic cluster, male lordotic cluster and male kyphotic cluster were classified mainly based on gender and C2-C7 CL. T1S was the independent influencing factor for C2-7 CL in all individuals and C2-7 CL = -28.65 + 0.57 × TIA, which varied from clusters. Although interactions among cervical parameters, it showed the alignment was more coordinated in lordotic groups. Conclusions: The cervical sagittal profile varied with age and gender. Four clusters were naturally classified based on C2-7 CL and gender. The cervical balance status was addressed by C2-7 CL = − 28.65 + 0.57 × TIA.

Study Design.: An exploratory study. Objective.: The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence of scoliosis in Linxia Prefecture, Gansu Province, China, and to explore the characteristics of electronic devices in scoliosis school screening (SSS). Background.: Forward bend test and scoliometer are common methods for SSS. The advantages of three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound system in SSS have been reported before. While there is a paucity of evidence to compare manual scoliometer (M-scoliometer) with electronic scoliometer (E-scoliometer), and the correlation between angle of trunk rotation (ATR) and ultrasound Cobb angle (UCA) is uncertain. Materials and Methods.: More than 27000 students in Linxia Prefecture, Gansu Province, China, were screened using M-scoliometer and E-scoliometer. Specifically, some students were screened before and after spinal motion test. Besides, one out of every 3 positive examinees would have their UCA measured. Their basic information and measurement results were recorded and analyzed. Results.: A total of 27532 students were included, whose informed consent forms were signed by their parents. The overall positive rate of primary screening was 2.27% (girls, 2.64%; boys, 1.91%; P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in positive rate between M-scoliometer and E-scoliometer ( P = 0.657). The screening speed of M-scoliometer was slower than that of E-scoliometer (36.53 vs . 19.19 s, P = 0.002). One-third of the positive students became negative after spinal motion test. Compared with the E-scoliometer group, the proportion of scoliosis in the M-scoliometer group was higher in degree I ( P = 0.046) and lower in degree II and III ( P = 0.01, P = 0.278). Moderate correlations were found between ATR and UCA (R ² = 0.245). Conclusions.: The overall positive rate of primary screening in this study is basically consistent with previous studies. We found that electronic scoliometer is as accurate as M-scoliometer, yet faster and more convenient. Besides, a moderate correlation exists between ATR and UCA. We believe that the introduction of electronic devices will make scoliosis screening radiation-free, more convenient, and efficient.