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Idiopathic Scoliosis

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Orthopedic Surgery Clerkship

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Abstract

Idiopathic scoliosis is a diagnosis that includes spinal curvature with no syndromic, congenital, or neuromuscular causes. It may be present in patients of any age but is most common in adolescents (age 11 and older). Patients must be diagnosed with proper radiographs and physical evaluation. Clinical examination should be carried out carefully to ensure that there are no neurologic abnormalities pointing to an alternative reason for scoliotic deformity. Radiographic evaluation includes PA and lateral views of the entire spine. Spinal curvature is measured using the Cobb angle method. Determination of treatment is based on age, degree of curvature, and amount of growth remaining. Larger curves, and curves in younger patients, are more likely to progress to more severe deformities. Methods of treatment include observation, bracing, and surgical fusion with instrumentation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA

    Brien Rabenhorst MD

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  1. Brien Rabenhorst MD
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Correspondence to Brien Rabenhorst MD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA

    Adam E. M. Eltorai

  2. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA

    Craig P. Eberson

  3. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Division of Spine Surgery, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA

    Alan H. Daniels

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© 2017 Springer International Publishing AG

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Rabenhorst, B. (2017). Idiopathic Scoliosis. In: Eltorai, A., Eberson, C., Daniels, A. (eds) Orthopedic Surgery Clerkship. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-52567-9_137

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-52567-9_137

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-52565-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-52567-9

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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