Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Growth and Development Disorders in Pediatrics

Objective: Bone abnormalities in the Ý-thalassemia are very common. These bone abnormalities are important complications that significantly affect postural development process. This cross-sectional study was designed to evaluate the postural alignment in children diagnosed with Ý-thalassemia. Methods: Forty male children with Ý-thalassemia aged from 6 to 10 years, were compared to fifty healthy normal children with respect to age and gender. The postural evaluation process was done according to the Postural Assessment Software (PAS/SAPO) from four different views; anterior, posterior, and both lateral views. Results: From the anterior view, there were statistically significant differences in the mean values of Horizontal alignment of head (HAH-anterior), Horizontal Alignment of Acromion (HAA), Horizontal Alignment of Anterior Superior Iliac Spine (HAASIS), Angle between the two acromions and the two anterior superior iliac spines (AAASIS), Frontal angle of right and lower limb (FARLL and FALLL), Length difference between right and left limbs (LDRLL), Horizontal angle of tibial tuberosity (HATT), right and left Q angles between both groups. Regarding the lateral views, there were statistically significant differences in the mean values of Vertical Alignment of the Head (VAH), Vertical Alignment of the Body (VAB) and left lateral Vertical Alignment of the Trunk (VAT) between both groups. From the posterior view, there were statistically significant differences in the mean values of the Horizontal asymmetry of scapula in relation to T3 (HAST3) and Leg/left hindfoot angle (LRA). Conclusion: The study concluded that Ý-thalassemia a chronic disease has a negative impact on the postural alignment of these children

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