Location
Moultrie, GA
Start Date
7-5-2025 1:00 PM
End Date
7-5-2025 4:00 PM
Description
Introduction
Scoliosis is a condition that has been widely studied, with both congenital and idiopathic presentations, and notable differences across sexes, particularly skewed toward women. Joint osteoarthritis (OA), another well-documented disease, differs from scoliosis in that, while being multifactorial, its etiology is much more understood. Previous research has established a strong correlation between spinal misalignment and the eventual need for knee replacement, and the impact of scoliosis on gait mechanics; however, there is surprisingly limited documentation on the link between scoliosis and talocalcaneal joint OA degeneration. Visualizing the histological and radiological differences between scoliotic and non-scoliotic OA cadavers may provide new insight into the biomechanical and pathological interplay between spinal alignment and OA joint degeneration.
Objectives
We aim to further elucidate the interrelationship between the two musculoskeletal disorders, through radiology and histology of a novel cadaveric model that manifests both diseases. In doing so, we aim to provide deeper insight into the mechanics of their relationship, compare them to non-diseased states, and lay the foundations for potential targeted interventions for improved patient outcomes.
Methods
This study examines the histological state of a cadaver with both scoliosis and talocalcaneal joint OA, and compared it to the histologic presentations of the same joint in a cadaver with no scoliosis. Additionally, the study examines and compares the radiological x-ray imaging of the talocalcaneal joint in the cadaver presenting with both scoliosis and OA, and compared that to x-ray imaging of the talocalcaneal joint in a cadaver with no scoliosis.
Results
The results of the study further strengthens the relationship between scoliosis and talocalcaneal joint OA, demonstrating that when scoliosis is present, talocalcaneal joint OA degeneration is more advanced, when comparing the histological and radiological samples of the joint tissue and the joint space of those presenting with no scoliotic abnormalities.
Discussion
To conclude, the study at hand effectively illustrates the considerable relationship between scoliosis and talocalcaneal OA degeneration and progression, by using cadavers with and without scoliotic presentation. The study can be valuable for further research into interventions that could potentially slow or halt degeneration of the joint. While informative, our case study focuses on cadaveric models, and further studies should explore this relationship longitudinally, within active patients.
Embargo Period
6-3-2025
Included in
Investigating the role of scoliosis in talocalcaneal joint osteoarthritis: a histologic and radiologic view
Moultrie, GA
Introduction
Scoliosis is a condition that has been widely studied, with both congenital and idiopathic presentations, and notable differences across sexes, particularly skewed toward women. Joint osteoarthritis (OA), another well-documented disease, differs from scoliosis in that, while being multifactorial, its etiology is much more understood. Previous research has established a strong correlation between spinal misalignment and the eventual need for knee replacement, and the impact of scoliosis on gait mechanics; however, there is surprisingly limited documentation on the link between scoliosis and talocalcaneal joint OA degeneration. Visualizing the histological and radiological differences between scoliotic and non-scoliotic OA cadavers may provide new insight into the biomechanical and pathological interplay between spinal alignment and OA joint degeneration.
Objectives
We aim to further elucidate the interrelationship between the two musculoskeletal disorders, through radiology and histology of a novel cadaveric model that manifests both diseases. In doing so, we aim to provide deeper insight into the mechanics of their relationship, compare them to non-diseased states, and lay the foundations for potential targeted interventions for improved patient outcomes.
Methods
This study examines the histological state of a cadaver with both scoliosis and talocalcaneal joint OA, and compared it to the histologic presentations of the same joint in a cadaver with no scoliosis. Additionally, the study examines and compares the radiological x-ray imaging of the talocalcaneal joint in the cadaver presenting with both scoliosis and OA, and compared that to x-ray imaging of the talocalcaneal joint in a cadaver with no scoliosis.
Results
The results of the study further strengthens the relationship between scoliosis and talocalcaneal joint OA, demonstrating that when scoliosis is present, talocalcaneal joint OA degeneration is more advanced, when comparing the histological and radiological samples of the joint tissue and the joint space of those presenting with no scoliotic abnormalities.
Discussion
To conclude, the study at hand effectively illustrates the considerable relationship between scoliosis and talocalcaneal OA degeneration and progression, by using cadavers with and without scoliotic presentation. The study can be valuable for further research into interventions that could potentially slow or halt degeneration of the joint. While informative, our case study focuses on cadaveric models, and further studies should explore this relationship longitudinally, within active patients.
Comments
Awarded "Best Cadaver/Biomed Project: Runner Up" at PCOM South Georgia Research Day 2025.