An investigation into minor orthopaedic deformities in first year secondary school children

In a previous contribution to this Bulletin (Moncur, 1965) attention was drawn to the importance of 'minor' deviation in form and function of the vertebral column as a sign of underlying bony abnormality of the type found in Scheuermann's disease. It was suggested that we should not be satisfied with the existing standards which are accepted as 'within normal limits' and that an earlier recognition of malfunction of joints leading to Degenerative Joint Disease was possible. A small study was instituted into spinal form and function, including radiography, in fifty-three students at the Scottish School of Physical Education, all of whom had been admitted for training at the same time and all of whom had recently left school. None had physical defects which would warrant outright rejection from the course but few had backs which a Physical Educationist of the 'old school' would have regarded as satisfactory!