Screening for scoliosis. A cost-effectiveness analysis.

The cost-effectiveness of three different screening methods was studied: the no specific screening, the conventional clinical screening, and the combined clinical moiré screening alternative. A multistage model of the treatment process was developed. Data from retrospective studies in Malmo were used. The costs for health care and production loss were calculated and applied to the time profiles of the three screening alternatives. Health care costs as well as costs in loss of production increased with the introduction of the conventional clinical screening program. However, when the clinical screening was combined with the moiré technique, the costs were markedly reduced. Thus, the combined clinical moiré screening would be the cost-effective way of using resources to prevent scolioses from developing into a more severe deformity.