Diagnostics, Therapeutics & Surgery

At some point, in your children’s school years – they will be screened for scoliosis by the school nurse.  They are also screened for scoliosis at their annual physical.

This screening is for idiopathic scoliosis – which is an abnormal curvature of the spine, with an unknown cause.  Idiopathic scoliosis often develops during childhood and adolescence.  A normal spine appears like a straight “I”.  With scoliosis, there is a curve to the left or right and the spine looks will have either a S-shaped or C-shaped curve. 

The standard screening for scoliosis, conducted by pediatricians and in school screenings, is the Adam’s Forward Bend Test.  According to the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, this is the most specific test for true scoliosis.  With this screening, the individual holds his or her feet together, and bends 90 degrees at the waist.  The trained professional looks for any sign of curvature or any asymmetry of the trunk.  If curvature is detected, the individual will be referred for additional evaluation.

Early detection is important in the treatment of scoliosis.  Many times with early treatment, the progression of scoliosis can be stopped or slowed down.