The management of scoliosis

Abstract 

Scoliosis is a three-dimensional, growth-related deformity of the immature spine. Although most cases are idiopathic, this is a diagnosis of exclusion, which can only be made after other less common causes have been eliminated. A careful history, thorough clinical examination and radiographs of the whole spine will often allow the aetiology of the deformity to be identified. MRI is extremely useful in the investigation of children under the age of 12 years and adolescents with atypical curves. Because scoliosis may behave unpredictably, serial observation of the child is required. If there is evidence of significant deterioration of the curve, then treatment with either bracing or surgery is necessary. These treatments and the general indications for their use are outlined, and the specific management of the most common types of scoliosis is then discussed in more detail.

Keywords: adolescence, braces, cast/surgical, child, child/preschool, magnetic resonance imaging, scoliosis/classification, scoliosis/congenital, scoliosis/diagnosis, scoliosis/radiography, scoliosis/therapy, scoliosis/surgery

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• f1 Correspondence to: WB. Tel.: +01865-741155; fax: +01865-227874; E-mail: will@wilbur.demon.co.uk