Scoliosis is a spinal deformity that can be seen in children of all ages. It is most commonly seen as an adolescent idiopathic condition. Progressive scoliosis between 25° and 45° before skeletal and physiologic maturity can be treated with a brace, whereas progressive scoliosis greater than 50° should be treated surgically. For children younger than 10 years, it is important to not only prevent scoliosis from worsening but to also maintain the growth of the spine and chest wall through the use of growth-friendly surgical techniques. Spinal fusion and instrumentation surgery is generally reserved for adolescent patients.
Key points
- •
Scoliosis can arise from a variety of causes and is defined as a lateral curvature of the spine greater than 10°.
- •
The most common cause of scoliosis is idiopathic, which accounts for up to 80% of scoliosis in children.
- •
The Adam’s forward bending test is a clinical evaluation of axial plane rotation that is associated with scoliosis.
- •
The goal of treatment is to prevent curve progression. If a curve progresses beyond 50°, it will likely continue to progress into adulthood.
- •
For children with early onset scoliosis, the goal of treatment is also to maintain spine, chest, and pulmonary development throughout childhood.
Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel
Full access? Get Clinical Tree
