The prevalence of lordotic and kyphotic deformities among different age groups

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of lordotic and kyphotic deformities among different age groups. Material and methods: 349 subjects (male and female) from three different classes of age, namely, the adolescent (n=141), the young (n=114) and the adult (n=94) participated in this study. Flexi curve ruler and the Cobb method were used to measure the spinal column curves and determine the angles, respectively. The obtained data were statistically analyzed by Chi-square method. Results: the prevalence of lower back deformities among the aforementioned age groups was as follows: normal subjects; 34.1%, flat back; 10.6%, lordosis; 25.8% and hyperlordosis; 29.5%. These amounts were significantly different (P≤0/05). Adolescents had the highest prevalence of lordosis (42%) which was significantly different from the prevalence of this deformity in the young and adult groups (P≤0/05). With regard to the gender of subjects, the highest and lowest prevalence of lordosis were observed among female adolescents and adults respectively (22.3% vs. 11.9%). lordosis and hyperlordosis was the most prevalent among the young (38.8%) and adult (, 48.7%) females. There were not significant differences between all groups (P>0/05). The results of present study also showed that the prevalence of spinal deformities including, flat back (3.4%), kyphosis (27.2%) and hyperkyphosis (14.1%) and the differences between them were significant (P≤0/05). There were not significant differences in kyphosis between adolescent (29.85%), young (29.85%) and adult (40.3%) subjects (P>0/05). Adult men have the highest prevalence of kyphosis (31.9%) which was significantly difference from the other groups (P≤0/05). Conclusion: we concluded that the highest prevalence of lordosis belonged to adolescent women and adults had the highest prevalence of kyphosis. In advanced countries, screening tests are conducted to determine the prevalence of deformities and then, according to the resultant data, the most appropriate program is chosen to prevent occurrence of deformities in future. Therefore, administrating such tests in our own country and among all age groups seems to be an appropriate action for prevent more and complex deformities in the elderly age