EFFECTIVENESS OF THE "FROM BITE TO FOOT" PROTOCOL IN THE TREATMENT OF DESCENDING IDIOPATHIC SCOLIOSIS USING JAW FUNCTIONAL ORTHOPEDICS

Introduction. Idiopathic scoliosis developing according to a descending pattern originates from primary dysfunctions of the craniovertebral complex and malocclusion, requiring a multidisciplinary approach. Current orthodontic protocols generally disregard the patient's postural status, reducing therapeutic effectiveness. Objective. To retrospectively evaluate the effectiveness of the "from bite to foot" protocol for diagnostics and treatment with Jaw Functional Orthopedics in patients with descending-type idiopathic scoliosis. Materials and Methods. Outcomes of 36 patients with malocclusion and scoliosis (grades I–IV, DIERS angle up to 46°), treated between September 2022 and November 2024, were statistically evaluated. Median age was 17.5 years [15.0–26.5]. Three-dimensional spinal assessment was performed using DIERS Formetric 4D rasterstereography; plantar support was evaluated with the Chizhin index on a "GREENFOOT" podoscope. Assessments were performed at baseline and at 12 months. Statistical analysis used the Wilcoxon signed-rank test (SciPy 1.9.1, Python 3.10). Results. The median DIERS angle decreased from 20.0° to 13.0° (−7.0°, 35%, p < 0.001). Lateral spinal deviation decreased from 15.6 mm to 9.1 mm (−6.5 mm, 42%, p < 0.001). The Chizhin index increased from 0.40 to 0.59 (+0.19, 47%, p < 0.001). Conclusion. The "from bite to foot" protocol provides reliable improvement in postural status, reduction in scoliotic curve angle, and normalization of plantar support in patients with descending-type postural dysfunction.