Early detection of scoliosis. A neurological approach using the asymmetrical tonic neck reflex.

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the asymmetrical tonic neck reflex (ATNR) and the occurrence of scoliosis in healthy children. One hundred eighty-four children, between the ages of 10 years, 5 months to 13 years, 10 months, who attended a rural elementary school were selected for the study. The quadruped reflex-inhibiting posture was used to assess the ATNR. A standard orthopedic screening tool was used for assessment of scoliosis. The occurrence of the ATNR in children tended to increase the rate of referral for further testing for scoliosis. In those children who were assessed for scoliosis using roentgenograms and who had a positive ATNR, a relationship occurred between the convex side of the curvature and the side of the ATNR. Results did not show significant differences in the occurrence of the ATNR or scoliosis in regard to sex. Based on the results of this study, the addition of the ATNR testing to scoliosis screening may prove beneficial in the early identification of scoliosis.