No-Radiation scoliosis screening could spare thousands of girls from unnecessary x-rays

NCT ID NCT06828068

Diagnosis Sponsor: Chinese University of Hong Kong Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether a radiation-free ultrasound system can accurately screen for scoliosis in 442 Hong Kong schoolgirls aged around 10, who are at high risk for curve progression. The goal was to see if ultrasound could identify which girls truly need an X-ray, reducing unnecessary radiation exposure. If proven accurate, this approach could make scoliosis screening safer for young girls.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Ultrasound (Scolioscan system)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could replace X-rays for scoliosis screening in young girls, reducing radiation exposure while still catching serious cases.
What could go wrong: This is a completed diagnostic accuracy study, not a treatment trial. Ultrasound may not be as precise as X-rays for all cases, and results may not apply to other populations.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Study facts

What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.

Phase

Not a phased trial

Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.

Participants

442 people

The number who actually took part.

Started

Jul 2018

Finished

Dec 2025

Lead sponsor

Other sponsor

The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.

Who can take part

This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.

Ages

8 to 14 years

Sex

Female participants only

Healthy volunteers

Not accepted

This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.

Show the full entry requirements

Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.

Inclusion Criteria: i. School children in Hong Kong attending School Screening Program provided by Student Health Service ii. Recommended for radiographic assessment in the scoliosis screening program iii. Female with year since menarche of equal to or less than 9 months Exclusion Criteria: i. Patients with standing height \<1 m, or \>2 m ii. Patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2 iii. Subjects with skin diseases iv. Subjects with fracture or wound that affect ultrasound scanning v. Subjects with ferromagnetic implants vi. Subjects with surgery done for the spine vii. Subjects with winged scapula or other irregularity of back contour that affect ultrasound scanning viii. Subjects who cannot stand steadily during scanning ix. Subjects with allergy to ultrasound gel

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

bone disorder musculoskeletal system disorder scoliosis Spinal Curvatures vertebral column disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Bone diseases Musculoskeletal disease Scoliosis Spinal curvatures Spinal diseases

No-Radiation scoliosis screening could spare thousands of girls from unnecessary x-rays

What the study statuses mean