Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1206972
6 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 2 FEBRUARY 2020 JAMES DEBONO TRUNK measurements of all Gozitan children aged 13 to 15 have revealed that at least 5.3% have a hump in their body trunk, a condition known as "trunk asymmetry". The study, published in the Malta Medical Journal, also shows that 69% of those expe- riencing this condition were fe- males. Children with trunk asym- metries are at a greater risk of developing adolescent idiopath- ic scoliosis, a condition that develops into an abnormal cur- vature of the spine during late childhood or adolescence. Instead of growing straight, the spine develops a side-to-side curvature, usually in an elongat- ed S or C shape, and the bones of the spine become slightly twist- ed or rotated. A small percent- age of affected children develop more severe, pronounced spinal curvature. The children participating in the study performed the Adam Forward Bending Test in which they had to bend forward as if they were diving. If the patient has trunk asymmetries, their back often has a prominent line where the spine is, and one side is higher than the other. A patient's back is completely straight if they do not have sco- liosis. In the study a scholiometer was placed along the spine whenever a rib hump was noted, to meas- ure its angle. All children with a trunk asymmetry of more seven degrees were referred for further tests to confirm the diagnosis. The study suggests that the 5% rate appears to be "relative- ly high when compared to other countries" but comparisons are difficult due to different meth- odologies used. Similar studies in other coun- tries have reported a different incidence of trunk asymmetry, with the prevailing view being that trunk asymmetry is higher in northern European countries than in Mediterranean coun- tries. This is usually attributed to differences in hours of sunshine and the onset of menstruation. But the study suggests a high- er rate of trunk abnormalities in Gozo than in some Scandinavian countries. Meanwhile a similar study in Crete registered an even higher rate of 10% of children at risk of developing scoliosis. The high rate of trunk asym- metries in Gozo may also reflect a "certain amount of inbreeding" which may influence the preva- lence of trunk asymmetries. The study authors recom- mends greater awareness on trunk asymmetry among med- ical practitioners as they would help in the early intervention by physiotherapists to prevent fur- ther complications which may require surgery. Physiotherapists Mark Sacco and Michaela Catania authored the study. NEWS The Foundaon for Tomorrow's Schools (FTS), responsible for the building and renovaon of new and exisng State schools, is searching for a Chief Execuve Officer to deliver the vision, mission and strategic objecves of the Foundaon. The selected candidate will guide and provide oversight of all FTS operaons and assure quality of service, manage performance and overall resources, set and integrate strategy and direcon, and guide the FTS towards long-term success. The CEO shall have overall responsibility for the Foundaon and ensure effecve management structures. As the highest-ranking execuve official, the successful candidate will need to promote a strong work culture, vision and values and provide visible and inspired leadership. The FTS Chief Execuve Officer has the following key responsibilies: • provide overall direcon, effecvely manage, promote and implement the organisaon's aims and objecves, and develop the Foundaon's growth plan; • ensure that the operaons and acvies of the FTS are driven firmly and fully aligned with strategic policy objecves of the Ministry for Educaon and Employment as its main client; • raise and maintain the quality of service provision; and • lead, guide and direct the senior execuve team of the organisaon, movate subordinates and advance employee engagement. Interested persons must meet the following requirements: • hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant discipline or in Business Administraon; • have proven experience in a senior management posion, with experience in the Public Service or the Public Sector being considered an asset; • be goal driven and with a proven track record for effecve team management and a high level of interpersonal, organisaonal and leadership skills; • have a strategic mindset; and • have the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Interested persons may apply by sending an applicaon leŒer and CV addressed to: The Human Resources and Communicaons Manager Foundaon for Tomorrow's Schools Sir Adrian Dingli Street Pembroke Closing date for applicaons is: Tuesday 18th February, 2020. VACANCY OF A CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER JOBSPLUS VACANCY PERMIT NUMBER: 480/2019 Study suggests Malta has higher rate of children with humped trunks than other countries One in 20 children in Gozo at risk of scoliosis