Role of major thalassemia in skeletal abnormalities of the spine

Patients with Thalassemia Major suffer from different skeletal deformities. This study was carried out to compare the rate of deformities between patients with Major and minor thalassemia.

This historical cohort study was done on 87 patients with major thalassemia (case group) and 87 patients with minor thalassemia (control group). Indices of skeletal abnormalities of the spine (inclined neck, forward head, asymmetry of shoulders, kyphosis, scoliosis, and lordosis) were measured in 2 groups and compared by chi-square test.

Comparison of inclined neck and asymmetry of shoulders between major and minor thalassemic patients showed no significant difference however the frequency of forward head deformity, kyphosis, scoliosis and lordosis between patients with major and minor thalassemia was significantly different (p<0.05).

Incidence of spinal abnormalities in patients with thalassemia major is significantly higher than individuals with minor thalassemia. We recommend that the effect of exercise on prevention and treatment of spine abnormalities should be evaluated.