Idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents
MT Hresko - New England Journal of Medicine, 2013 - Mass Medical Soc
New England Journal of Medicine, 2013•Mass Medical Soc
Key Clinical Points Idiopathic Scoliosis in Adolescents The diagnosis of scoliosis is
suspected on the basis of physical examination and is confirmed by radiography, performed
while the patient is in a standing position, that reveals spinal curvature of 10 degrees or
greater. Idiopathic scoliosis is present in 2% of adolescents. Adolescents with scoliosis
should have a thorough physical examination to rule out hereditary connective-tissue
disorders (eg, Marfan's syndrome), neurofibromatosis, or neurologic conditions. Most …
suspected on the basis of physical examination and is confirmed by radiography, performed
while the patient is in a standing position, that reveals spinal curvature of 10 degrees or
greater. Idiopathic scoliosis is present in 2% of adolescents. Adolescents with scoliosis
should have a thorough physical examination to rule out hereditary connective-tissue
disorders (eg, Marfan's syndrome), neurofibromatosis, or neurologic conditions. Most …
Key Clinical Points
Idiopathic Scoliosis in Adolescents
- The diagnosis of scoliosis is suspected on the basis of physical examination and is confirmed by radiography, performed while the patient is in a standing position, that reveals spinal curvature of 10 degrees or greater.
- Idiopathic scoliosis is present in 2% of adolescents. Adolescents with scoliosis should have a thorough physical examination to rule out hereditary connective-tissue disorders (e.g., Marfan's syndrome), neurofibromatosis, or neurologic conditions.
- Most adolescents with nonprogressive idiopathic scoliosis can be seen by a primary care physician and do not require active treatment.
- Bracing is commonly recommended in patients with an immature skeleton with curve progression of 25 to 45 degrees, but data to support this approach are observational and inconsistent; a randomized trial comparing bracing with observation for idiopathic scoliosis is currently in progress.
- Surgical treatment is recommended in patients with an immature skeleton who have progressive scoliosis greater than 45 degrees.
The New England Journal Of Medicine