Scoliosis is a musculoskeletal disorder of the spine produced from left or right curvature greater than 10 degrees that is typically identified in childhood. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder characterized by cessation in breathing (apnea) or partial reduction in breathing effort and airflow (hypopnea). While previous research has investigated both of these disorders separately, little research has been done on their co-occurrence, and the mechanism through which scoliosis can cause OSA remains unclear. This study investigated whether an individual diagnosed with childhood scoliosis (i.e., infantile, juvenile, or adolescent) will be at a higher risk of developing OSA. Data from the Pitt+Me research database was used to provide the number of children (ages 0-18) with scoliosis, OSA, or both conditions. A chi-square test will be used to analyze both categorical variables to determine if there is a relationship. The expected outcome is that individuals reporting childhood scoliosis will have OSA at a higher rate than seen in the general population. This study aims to inform researchers and healthcare providers of the concerns for OSA in those diagnosed with scoliosis, and to propose sleep apnea screening as a crucial component of their care plans.
