Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

This is typically affects teenage girls. The curvature of the spine is a 3 dimensional twist. The curvature can progress with growth through the puberty. We can predict the likelihood of progression and be able to guide the patient and family to the possible treatment options.

All the patients will require a full spine MRI and full spine Xray for the first appointment (usually done in ROH).A majority will require regular X rays through the teen years. Some will require an operation.

The goals of surgery are to prevent curve progression, achieve truncal alignment and correct the deformity. The MRI is usually normal, hence the term Idiopathic (which means no known cause). Sometimes the MRI picks up an associated issue that needs a referral to another specialist.