Bone metabolism biomarkers in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Despite representing 85% of all scoliosis cases, the aetiological mechanism of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) remains elusive. Several historical studies have shown correlations between lower bone mineral density (BMD) and altered bone metabolism markers in AIS patients when compared to non-scoliotic controls. Hormonal and biochemical influences of bone metabolism appear particularly significant, however, wholistic blood and urine analyses have yet to be conducted. We hypothesised that abnormal levels of bone remodelling biomarkers would be observed in AIS patients. The study results suggest that AIS patients have an altered bone metabolic/hormonal milieu, as demonstrated by significantly increased serum osteocalcin above normal ranges. This may be paired to the actions of PTH and/or ALP levels, but direct examination of their humoral pathways is needed to define the primary hormone altering bone metabolism within AIS. Future analysis of patient BMDs from vertebral body bone samples taken during surgery will provide direct pairing of metabolic profiles and actual bone quality for the first time in AIS