RESEARCH: Updated January 2024. We provide a very brief summary of current research. It is by no means comprehensive and we recognize the vast area of “grey area” where a definitive conclusion is not yet possible as well as areas of research that are yet to be examined. As always, patient/family shared decision making is key to navigating what evidence based practice, clinical experience, and the patient/family values and goals.
SCREENING :
1. Amendt, L. E., Ause-Ellias, K. L., Eybers, J. L., Wadsworth, C. T., Nielsen, D. H., & Weinstein, S. L. (1990). Validity and Reliability Testing of the Scoliometer®.Physical Therapy, 70(2), 108-117. Accessed Octobe
2. Oetgen, Matthew E. MD, MBA; Heyer, Jessica H. MD; Kelly, Shannon M. MD Scoliosis Screening, Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: May 1, 2021 – Volume 29 – Issue 9 – p 370-379 doi: 10.5435/JAAOS-D-20-00356
3. Mobile Application for Scoliosis Screening Using a Standard 2D Digital Camera T Akazawa, Y Torii, J Ueno, A Saito, H Niki – Cureus, 2021 – ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
4. Scaturro, Dalila et al. ‘Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Screening: Could a School-based Assessment Protocol Be Useful for an Early Diagnosis?’ 1 Jan. 2021 : 301 – 306.
Diagnosis/progression Risk Factors:
1. Kuznia AL, Hernandez AK, Lee LU. Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Common Questions and Answers. Am Fam Physician. 2020 Jan 1;101(1):19-23. PMID: 31894928.
2. Neal K, Shirley E, Kiebzak G (2018) Maturity indicators and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. SPINE. 43(7):E406–E412
3. Minkara A, Bainton N, Tanaka M, Kung J, DeAllie C, Khaleel A et al (2018) High risk of mismatch between Sanders and Risser staging in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. J Pediatr Orthop 1
Bracing And PSSE:
1. Maria-Aikaterini Giordamni, Chandolias K, Pollatos D et.al. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: review of conservative treatment with physiotherapy scoliosis specific exercises. Int J Health Sci Res. 2021; 11(1):88-99.
2. Minsk, M.K., Venuti, K.D., Daumit, G.L. et al. Effectiveness of the Rigo Chêneau versus Boston-style orthoses for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a retrospective study. Scoliosis 12, 7 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13013-017-0117-z
3. Ming-Qiao Fang, Xiao-Li Huang, Wei Wang, Yu-An Li, Guang-Heng Xiang, Guang-Kui Yan, Chen-Rong Ke, Cheng-Huang Mao, Zong-Yi Wu, Tian-Long Pan, Rui-Bo Zhu, Jian Xiao & Xian-Hong Yi (2021) The efficacy of Schroth exercises combined with the Chêneau brace for the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a retrospective controlled study, Disability and Rehabilitation, DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2021.1922521
4. Zapata KA, Sucato DJ, Jo CH. Physical Therapy Scoliosis-Specific Exercises May Reduce Curve Progression in Mild Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Curves. Pediatr Phys Ther. 2019 Jul;31(3):280-285. doi: 10.1097/PEP.0000000000000621. PMID: 31220013
5. Kocaman, H., Bek, N., Kaya, M. H., Büyükturan, B., Yetiş, M., & Büyükturan, Ö. (2021). The effectiveness of two different exercise approaches in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A single-blind, randomized-controlled trial. PLoS One, 16(4), e0249492.
6. Schreiber, S., Parent, E., Hill, D. et al. Schroth physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: how many patients require treatment to prevent one deterioration? – results from a randomized controlled trial – “SOSORT 2017 Award Winner”. Scoliosis 12, 26 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13013-017-0137-8
7. Park JH, Jeon HS, Park HW. Effects of the Schroth exercise on idiopathic scoliosis: a meta-analysis. European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine. 2018 Jun;54(3):440-449. DOI: 10.23736/s1973-9087.17.04461-6.
8. Kuru Çolak, T., Akçay, B., Apti, A., & Çolak, İ. (2023). The Effectiveness of the Schroth Best Practice Program and Chêneau-Type Brace Treatment in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Long-Term Follow-Up Evaluation Results. Children, 10(2), 386.
9. Schreiber, S., Whibley, D., & Somers, E. C. (2023). Schroth Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercise (PSSE) Trials—Systematic Review of Methods and Recommendations for Future Research. Children, 10(6), 954.
Surgical
1. Alanay, Ahmet MDa; Yucekul, Altug MDa; Abul, Kadir MDb; Ergene, Gokhan MDc; Senay, Sahin MDd; Ay, Binnaz MDe; Cebeci, Barbaros Omer MDf; Yalinay Dikmen, Pinar MDg; Zulemyan, Tais MSch; Yavuz, Yasemin PhDi; Yilgor, Caglar MDa Thoracoscopic Vertebral Body Tethering for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, SPINE: November 15, 2020 – Volume 45 – Issue 22 – p E1483-E1492 doi: 10.1097/BRS.0000000000003643
2. Helenius, Linda MD1; Diarbakerli, Elias PT, MSc2,3; Grauers, Anna MD, PhD2,4; Lastikka, Markus MD1; Oksanen, Hanna RN1; Pajulo, Olli MD, PhD1; Löyttyniemi, Eliisa MSc5; Manner, Tuula MD, PhD1; Gerdhem, Paul MD, PhD2,3; Helenius, Ilkka MD, PhD1 Back Pain and Quality of Life After Surgical Treatment for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis at 5-Year Follow-up, The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery: August 21, 2019 – Volume 101 – Issue 16 – p 1460-1466 doi: 10.2106/JBJS.18.01370
4. Larson, A.N., Baky, F., Ashraf, A. et al. Minimum 20-Year Health-Related Quality of Life and Surgical Rates After the Treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. Spine Deform 7, 417–427 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jspd.2018.09.003
5. Farshad, M., Kutschke, L., Laux, C.J. et al. Extreme long-term outcome of operatively versus conservatively treated patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Eur Spine J 29, 2084–2090 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-020-06509-1
Scoliosis-specific exercises provide significant benefits both before and after vertebral body tethering surgery. Prior to surgery, these exercises help strengthen muscles around the spine, improve flexibility, and optimize posture, which can potentially reduce the severity of the curvature and prepare the body for the procedure. Following surgery, scoliosis-specific exercises play a crucial role in promoting healing, restoring mobility, and preventing muscle imbalances or stiffness.
By adhering to a tailored exercise regimen, patients can support the success of the surgery, enhance their recovery process, and maintain optimal spinal function and alignment in the long term, leading to improved overall well-being and quality of life.
Scoliosis-specific exercises offer important benefits both before and after spinal fusion surgery for scoliosis. Before surgery, these exercises can help improve flexibility, strength, and posture, which may ease symptoms and prepare the body for the procedure. After surgery, these exercises become even more crucial. They aid in regaining strength, promoting healing, and preventing muscle stiffness or weakness that can occur due to the surgical procedure.
By following a tailored exercise program, patients can enhance their recovery, maintain spinal alignment, and improve overall mobility and function, ultimately supporting their long-term well-being and quality of life.
Pregnancy can pose unique challenges for women with scoliosis, a condition where the spine curves sideways. While many women with scoliosis have healthy pregnancies, the added weight and changes in posture during pregnancy can sometimes exacerbate back pain or discomfort. It’s important for women with scoliosis to communicate with their healthcare providers throughout pregnancy to manage any pain or concerns.
Scoliosis Specific physical therapy, proper posture, and sometimes support devices can help alleviate discomfort and promote a smoother pregnancy experience. With proper care and monitoring, most women with scoliosis can enjoy a healthy happy pregnancy and delivery.
Aging adolescent idiopathic scoliosis occurs when the curvature of the spine, which developed during adolescence, progresses or worsens with age. This type of scoliosis affects individuals who had scoliosis as teenagers, and it may cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty with daily activities as they get older. In contrast, adult degenerative scoliosis develops later in life due to wear and tear on the spine’s discs and joints.
It often leads to spinal curvature and can cause back pain, nerve compression, and changes in posture. Treatment options for both conditions may include physical therapy, pain management, and in severe cases, surgery to stabilize the spine and improve quality of life. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are essential to minimize symptoms and maintain spinal health
Juvenile idiopathic scoliosis, (JIS) is a type of spinal curvature that occurs in children under the age of 10. Unlike adolescent scoliosis, it may not be related to growth spurts. It affects both boys and girls equally and can lead to uneven shoulders, waist, or hips. Early detection is essential as it allows for timely intervention to prevent the curve from worsening. The research and outcomes for JIS are different than AIS. Treatment options may include observation, physical therapy, bracing, or, in severe cases, surgery.
Early Onset Scoliosis, (EOS): Early onset scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves sideways in children under the age of 5. Unlike scoliosis in older children, the cause of early onset scoliosis can be related to congenital spine abnormalities, neuromuscular conditions, or chest wall deformities. This type of scoliosis can affect a child’s breathing and lung development if left untreated. Treatment options may include observation, bracing, growth-friendly surgeries, or a combination of these, aiming to manage the curve and support healthy spine growth as the child grows. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to prevent potential complications and promote better long-term outcomes.
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves during a growth spurt in teenagers. It affects around 2-3% of adolescents, typically girls, aged 10-18 and will appear on an xray like a C or S shape. While the cause is unknown, genetics may play a role, and thus can be present in the family history.
Early detection through screenings is crucial, as mild cases may not cause symptoms but can progress over time. Treatment options include observation, physical therapy, bracing, or in severe cases, surgery, aiming to prevent curve progression and maintain spinal alignment for a healthy, active life.
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