Key Pearls

• The progression of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) can be predicted based on the degree of a patient’s existing scoliosis in relation to skeletal maturity.

• Patients with a scoliotic curve under 25˚ should be observed radiographically and clinically every 4 to 6 months until skeletal maturity.

• Bracing treatment should be initiated for scoliotic curves greater than 25˚ or if greater than a 5˚ progression in two consecutive visits or 10˚ progression in one follow-up visit occurs.

• AIS patients who are either skeletally immature patients with over a 40˚ major curve or skeletally mature patients with greater than a 50˚ major curve are indicated for surgical management.

• The goals of surgical fusion include creating a well-aligned and balanced spine while minimizing vertebral levels fused and optimizing pulmonary function.

• Selective thoracic or lumbar fusion should be performed in patients who meet specific radiographic criteria.

Definition

• The progression of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) can be predicted based on the degree of a patient’s existing scoliosis in relation to skeletal maturity.

• Patients with a scoliotic curve under 25˚ should be observed radiographically and clinically every 4 to 6 months until skeletal maturity.

• Bracing treatment should be initiated for scoliotic curves greater than 25˚ or if greater than a 5˚ progression in two consecutive visits or 10˚ progression in one follow-up visit occurs.

• AIS patients who are either skeletally immature patients with over a 40˚ major curve or skeletally mature patients with greater than a 50˚ major curve are indicated for surgical management.

• The goals of surgical fusion include creating a well-aligned and balanced spine while minimizing vertebral levels fused and optimizing pulmonary function.

• Selective thoracic or lumbar fusion should be performed in patients who meet specific radiographic criteria.