Current treatment approaches in the nonoperative and operative management of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Department of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Services, Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115.

Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common type of lateral curvature of the spine, accounting for about 65% of adolescent patients with structural scoliosis. The treatment goal is to prevent moderate curves from becoming severe, because severe curves, in adults, may not only lead to serious medical and physical complications, but also cause significant cosmetic deformities. Fortunately, early detection, through school screening programs, has led to successful nonoperative management of idiopathic scoliosis. In those instances in which nonoperative management is not an option, surgical correction is available. Surgery prevents curve progression and offers the patient a significant correction of the cosmetic deformity. This article will review both treatment approaches in the management of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.