Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis is a 3D spinal deformity commonly characterized by serial radiographs. Patients with AIS may have increased average radiation exposure compared to unaffected patients and thus may be implicated with a modest increase in cancer risk. To minimize lifetime radiation exposure, alternative imaging modalities such as surface topography are being explored. Surface topography (ST) uses a camera to map anatomic landmarks of the spine and contours of the back to create software-generated spine models. ST has previously shown good correlation to radiographic measures. In this study, we sought to use ST in the creation of a risk stratification model. A total of 38 patients met the inclusion criteria for curve progression prediction. Scoliotic curves were classified as progressing, stabilized, or improving, and a predictive model was created using the proportional odds logistic modeling. The results showed that surface topography was able to moderately appraise scoliosis curvatures when compared to radiographs. The predictive model, using demographic and surface topography measurements, was able to account for 86.9% of the variability in the future Cobb angle. Additionally, attempts at classification of curve progression, stabilization, or improvement were accurately predicted 27/38 times, 71%. These results provide a basis for the creation of a clinical tool in the tracking and prediction of scoliosis progression in order to reduce the number of X-rays required.

Background/Objectives: Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is a common adolescent hip disorder characterized by the posterior and inferior slippage of the femoral head through the growth plate. This study aimed to assess seasonal trends in the incidence of SCFE above 40° N latitude using cosinor regression analysis. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and registration in Prospero. A keyword search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Ovid was conducted using terms related to SCFE and seasonal or monthly variation. Studies were included if they reported month-by-month SCFE incidence in pediatric populations. Studies were excluded if they had duplicated population cohorts. Data from studies conducted above 40° N were extracted for cosinor regression analysis. Quality assessment was performed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Studies Reporting Prevalence Data. Results: A total of seventeen studies were included, amassing a total of 21,428 children analyzed. Six investigations reported monthly incidence data for populations > 40° N. The highest pooled monthly incidence was observed in August (482 cases). Alternatively, February was the month with the lowest SCFE incidence (293). Cosinor regression analysis demonstrated that SCFE occurs more frequently during early summer and fall months (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: SCFE incidence follows a significant seasonal trend in higher-latitude (>40° N) populations, with a consistent late-summer peak. Recognizing seasonal variation patterns may inform early diagnosis and intervention in SCFE, improving outcomes in pediatric physeal injuries.