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Review
. 2024 Jul 1;9(7):676-684.
doi: 10.1530/EOR-23-0162.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in adulthood

Kashif Ansari  1 , Manjot Singh  1 , Jake R McDermott  1   2 , Jerzy A Gregorczyk  1 , Mariah Balmaceno-Criss  1   3 , Mohammad Daher  3 , Christopher L McDonald  3 , Bassel G Diebo  3 , Alan H Daniels  3
Affiliations
Review

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in adulthood

Kashif Ansari et al. EFORT Open Rev. .

Abstract

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is an abnormal coronal curvature of the spine that most commonly presents in adolescence. While it may be asymptomatic, AIS can cause pain, cosmetic deformity, and physical and psychological disability with curve progression. As adolescents with AIS enter adulthood, condition outcomes vary with some experiencing curve stabilization and others noting further curve progression, chronic pain, osteoporosis/fractures, declines in pulmonary and functional capacity, among others. Regular monitoring and individualized management by healthcare professionals are crucial to address the diverse challenges and provide appropriate support for a fulfilling adult life with AIS. This review examines the prevalence, risk factors, presenting symptoms, diagnosis, management, and complications of AIS in the adult population, informing targeted interventions by clinicians caring for adult patients with AIS.

Keywords: adolescent idiopathic scoliosis; adults; management; progression; quality of life.

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Conflict of interest statement

KA, MS, JRM, JAG, MBC, MD, and CLM declare no competing interests. BGD declares consulting fees for Clariance and Spinevision. However, none of them is relevant to this manuscript. AHD declares grants from Stryker and Medtronic, royalties from Stryker and Spineart, consulting fees from Stryker, Spineart, and Medtronic, receiving payment for expert testimony from multiple law firms. However, none of them is relevant to this article.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Lateral view of the Adams’ forward bend test (right) and use of a scoliometer during the test (left).
Figure 2
Figure 2
A 43-year-old patient who underwent a selected T3–L2 fusion for untreated AIS presenting with back pain (A: pre-operation and B: 2 months post operation).
Figure 3
Figure 3
A 64-year-old patient who underwent a T2–pelvis spinal fusion for untreated scoliotic deformity presenting with lower back pain and worsening of posture (A: pre-operation and B: post operation).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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