Video Explanation: Posture Assessment – What Parents Need to Know

Posture assessment is a clinical examination that analyzes body alignment in standing, sitting, and during movement. It's particularly important in growing children and adolescents, when problems can be identified and corrected before they become permanent. **What's evaluated:** The orthopaedist observes the position of head, shoulders, spine, pelvis, and limbs. Symmetry, correct alignment, and absence of abnormal curvatures are sought. The child is observed from front, back, and side. **Specific clinical tests:** - **Adams test:** The child bends forward with arms hanging. It reveals trunk asymmetries suggestive of scoliosis. - **Sagittal curve evaluation:** The lateral profile is observed to assess lumbar lordosis and thoracic kyphosis. - **Lower limb examination:** Possible discrepancies, knock knees/bow legs, flat or cavus feet are evaluated. **Posture and modern lifestyle:** Prolonged use of smartphones, tablets, and computers is changing young people's posture. "Text neck" and kyphosis from prolonged sitting are increasingly frequent. **When to get an assessment:** A posture check is recommended at elementary school entry and at the start of puberty (10-11 years), when the growth spurt can bring out or worsen latent deformities. In the presence of pain, visible asymmetries, or family history of scoliosis, assessment should be done earlier.