背景及目的：原發性脊柱側彎好發於成長中的青少年，早期發現早期治療是相當重要的，若錯過治療時機，後續追蹤與治療往往需耗費更多病患及家屬的時間以及寶貴的健保資源。因此國內外均有許多人針對學童做篩檢，在台灣以前也曾有醫師做過篩檢，但常受限於經費與時空因素而以北部的學童為主，而無針對台灣中部地區之報告。本研究目的為了解中部地區兒童之脊柱側彎盛行率。研究方法：自民國90年10月1日起至民國92年4月30日止，在彰化二林地區總共3503名（男1778/女1725）學童，利用定性之亞當氏向前彎腰試驗法進行篩檢，再請篩檢陽性之學童至醫院接受X光攝影檢查，以科布角度來定量出脊柱側彎之程度。結果：學校篩檢陽性之學童有70名，陽性率為2.00%，其中女生41人，為2.37%，男生29人為1.63%，危險對比值1.46；一到三年級之學童其陽性率為1.30%，四到六年級之學童其陽性率為2.71%，危險對比值2.08；四到六年級女生明顯高於男生。70名篩檢陽性之學童有33位至醫院接受X光攝影檢查，結果6位學童Cobb角度大於10度。結論：脊柱側彎於高年級學童盛行率開始明顯增加，尤其是女生。鄉下地區國小學童脊柱側彎盛行率似乎比都會區低，是否具有臨床意義，值得進一步研究。

Background and Purpose: Early diagnosis and treatment of idiopathic scoliosis is crucial to prevent further deterioration. Though screening for scoliosis in elementary schools has been popular in developed countries, there are only some reports in the city areas of the north or the south of Taiwan. This study's purpose is investigate scoliosis for elementary school students lived in rural area of mid-Taiwan. Method: The total of 3503 students, 1778 boys and 1725 girls, were observed from Erlin and Chung-Cheng elementary schools from October 2001 to April 2003. Using the forward bending test, performed by an experienced examiner. Result: There were 70 students having positive forward bending test including 41 girls (2.37%) and 29 boys (1.63%). The overall prevalence of scoliosis was 2.00%, and it was higher in girl students (odds ratio: 1.46). The positive ratio of the students between the 1st to the 3rd grade is 1.30% and between the 4th to the 6th grade is 2.71% (odds ratio: 2.08). Among these 70 students, 33 students received radiographic study, there are 6 students whose Cobb angle over 10 degree. Conclusion: The prevalence rate of idiopathic scoliosis of elementary school higher grade students is increasing, especially for the girls. But it seems to be lower in countryside then the city's. That will be further study needed to evaluate the clinical significance.