Factors associated with spinal deformity progression in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

The implementation of school-based screening has resulted in a large number of adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis with relatively small curve magnitudes presenting to the clinician. Deciding on appropriate management requires an understanding of the natural history and factors associated with progression of spinal deformity. This is a challenging field and has not been fully defined. The physician will need to make the most use of available data and individualize treatment for the child. Although the patient’s age at presentation, the Risser sign, the patient’s menarchal status and the magnitude of the curve have been described as risk factors for curve progression, there is evidence that the absolute curve magnitude at presentation may be most predictive of progression in the long term.