To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Stick-assisted manipulation (SAM) in the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).
Approach:
Study Design: A retrospective analysis of 57 patients with AIS treated exclusively with SAM between January 2023 and August 2024.
Assessment Parameters: Efficacy was assessed by comparing pre- and post-treatment radiographic and clinical parameters, including Cobb angle, vertebral body rotation (VBR) grade, shoulder height difference (SHD), and coronal balance index (CBI).
Treatment Protocol: Patients underwent a 1-month treatment course consisting of four SAM sessions.
Key Findings:
Mean Cobb angle decreased significantly from 18.24° ± 10.16° to 13.10° ± 11.39° (P < 0.001).
Cobb angle improved by ≥6° in 22 of 57 patients (38.60%).
Significant improvements were observed in SHD and VBR grade.
No treatment-related complications or adverse events were recorded.
Interpretation:
SAM demonstrates favorable clinical and radiographic outcomes in patients with AIS, with a good safety profile.
Limitations:
Retrospective design may introduce bias.
Limited sample size of 57 patients.
Conclusion:
SAM may represent a broadly applicable and safe conservative treatment option for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
