It is well known that scoliosis is reported more frequently among athletes with an asymmetric load on the trunk and shoulders, such as tennis players, canoeist, fencers and javelin throwers, than among other athletes and non-athletes. Nevertheless, the proportion of the best Hungarian junior tennis players with scoliosis proved to be astonishingly high. The results of a complete clinical screening showed that nine out of 17 athletes had functional scoliosis. The cause was clearly due to the asymmetric nature of their sport. Although scoliosis of this origin is generally not dangerous, it could lead to increased frequency of back pain or more serious spinal injuries in the future. Following this examination, the researchers screened more than 100 tennis players, canoeists and fencers, using the forward bending technique as the standard position. Among the young athletes who participated in these asymmetrical sports, 45% proved to have functional scoliosis. Hungarian specialists must organise frequent screening of these athletes, and inform coaches, parents, physical education teachers, physical therapists and physicians about prevention and treatment methods, the researchers said. Dr. Dani described the appropriate steps for the prevention and treatment of this spinal disorder.
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