Table 2.
Summary of included studies and key findings.
| Study (Year) | Focus area | Method | Sample size | Key findings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Etiology | ||||
| Cheng et al. (2015) (1) | Genetic factors | GWAS | 5,000 patients | Identified SNPs in 6p24.1 and 10q24.31 associated with AS risk |
| Kou et al. (2019) (17) | Genetic susceptibility | GWAS (Japanese cohort) | 3,200 patients | Discovered 14 novel loci (e.g., LBX1, GPR126) linked to AS progression |
| Leboeuf et al. (2009) (19) | Hormonal factors | Case-control | 150 patients | Higher estrogen levels correlated with curve progression in females |
| Castelein et al. (2020) (33) | Biomechanics | Biomechanical modeling | N/A (Review) | Proposed “rotatory decompensation” theory for curve initiation |
| Diagnosis | ||||
| Alrehily et al. (2020) (54) | Cobb angle measurement | CT vs. x-ray comparison | 100 patients | CT projection radiographs showed higher accuracy (error <2°) |
| Ha et al. (2022) (67) | AI-based diagnosis | Machine learning | 1,200 images | AI achieved 95% accuracy in Cobb angle measurement vs. clinicians |
| Rehabilitation | ||||
| Liu et al. (2020) (69) | Schroth exercises | RCT | 120 patients | Significant Cobb angle reduction (5.2°) in mild AS after 6 months |
| Ceballos-Laita et al. (2023) (79) | Schroth method meta-analysis | Systematic review | 8 studies | Improved Cobb angle (mean 4.8°) and quality of life (SRS-22) |
| Costa et al. (2021) (82) | Bracing effectiveness | Meta-analysis | 1,800 patients | Bracing reduced surgery risk by 50% (OR 0.5) for Cobb 25°–40° |
| Minsk et al. (2017) (85) | Rigo-Cheneau vs. Boston brace | Retrospective | 200 patients | Rigo-Cheneau showed better correction (60% vs. 40% success rate) |
| Tambe et al. (2018) (87) | Surgical outcomes | Review | N/A | Posterior spinal fusion achieved 50%–70% correction with low complication rates |
| Psychological & technology | ||||
| Lin et al. (2019) (91) | Psychological impact | Cross-sectional | 300 patients | 40% of braced adolescents reported depression (BDI score ≥14) |
| Cheung et al. (2022) (99) | Biofeedback therapy | Pilot RCT | 50 patients | Improved posture symmetry (p < 0.05) in mild AS |
| Misterska et al. (2024) (111) | VR-based CBT | RCT | 80 patients | VR reduced body image distress (p = 0.01) vs. traditional therapy |