Preventing Curve Progression and the Need for Bracing in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis With Calcium + Vitamin D Supplementation

There is an association between adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and low bone mass which has been reported to be a significant prognostic factor for curve progression. Given that dietary calcium (Ca) intake and serum Vit-D levels were also low in AIS, we therefore propose a randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled trial to evaluate if daily \[500mg Ca + 800 IU Vit-D\] can improve bone health and prevent curve progression in AIS. Immature AIS girls with Cobb angle 10-20 degrees will be randomized either to the Treatment or Placebo group with 3-year of treatment. The main outcome measures for evaluation for those who have completed the 3-year treatment and have reached skeletal maturity at the end of 3-year treatment include: (1) percentage of patients with increase in Cobb angle≥6 degrees and (2) percentage of patients who require bracing. Bone measurements using advanced image acquisition technology(HR-pQCT) to assess bone health will also be evaluated.