Scoliosis: a review

Abstract

School screening of adolescents reveals a high prevalence of mild rotational deformity. The objective of screening is to prevent serious deformity by regular review of these children, early recognition of progression and provision of spinal bracing for curves greater than 25°. Two per cent of students screened in the age range 11-13 years have curves greater than 10° but only two per thousand screened require active treatment. A programme of exercise combined with bracing until skeletal maturity is reached, obviates the need for major surgery. Indications for follow-up and treatment are reviewed, and some current concepts of the aetiology of idiopathic scoliosis are examined with particular emphasis on the relationship between scoliosis and growth.