Surgical treatment of young adults with idiopathic scoliosis.

Journal and index pages often block iframe embedding. This reader keeps the evidence details in Orthonotes and leaves the source page one click away.

Abstract

[Indexed for MEDLINE] 13. Am Fam Physician. 1996 May 15;53(7):2327-35. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: an update. Skaggs DL(1), Bassett GS. Author information: (1)University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles, USA. Comment in Am Fam Physician. 1996 May 15;53(7):2268-72. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is defined as a lateral spinal curvature of greater than 10 degrees, for which no pathologic cause can be determined. The initial assessment of adolescents with scoliosis focuses on identification of any treatable underlying pathology. Adolescents with scoliosis typically are asymptomatic and have normal neurologic and physical examinations, with the exception of curvature of the spine. Treatment strategies are determined by the risk of progression. This risk depends on the extent of the curvature and anticipated future spinal growth. The extent of the curvature may be estimated by use of a scoliometer and verified by calculation of the Cobb angle on radiographic evaluation. Skeletal maturity may be estimated by several methods, including radiologic estimates of ossification by bone atlas or Risser sign. Treatment strategies include bracing and surgery.