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The Growing Spine pp 123–137Cite as

Clinical Examination and Associated Comorbidities of Early Onset Scoliosis

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Abstract

Young children with spinal deformities often present with associated comorbidities that often confound clinical decision-making. The initial clinical evaluation serves as the foundation for constructing an individualized and effective treatment plan. While the physical and radiological examination of the spine is central to the workup, it is equally important to look beyond the spine to discern underlying medical conditions and realize the overall health of the child. The baseline evaluation should always include a detailed medical history, particularly if the child has received previous treatment for his or her spinal deformity or other existing medical conditions. Regardless of etiology – congenital, idiopathic, neuromuscular, or syndromic – understanding the natural history of the spinal deformity is of paramount importance. Prior to selecting and initiating treatment, the treating physician must have a clear sense of all spinal and non-spinal abnormalities as their late discovery can jeopardize the results of treatment and increase the risk of complications. Assembling a multi-disciplinary team to assess and manage multiple comorbidities can optimize the medical management of complex patients.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopedics, Cairo University Hospital, Cairo, Egypt

    Hazem B. Elsebaie MD, FRCS

  2. San Diego Center for Spinal Disorders, San Diego, CA, USA

    Jeff Pawelek BS

Authors
  1. Hazem B. Elsebaie MD, FRCS
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  2. Jeff Pawelek BS
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Hazem B. Elsebaie MD, FRCS .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. San Diego Center for Spinal Disorders Medical Group, Inc., La Jolla, California, USA

    Behrooz A. Akbarnia

  2. Hacettepe University Dept. Orthopedics & Traumatology, Sihhiye, Ankara, Turkey

    Muharrem Yazici

  3. Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio, USA

    George H. Thompson

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Elsebaie, H.B., Pawelek, J. (2016). Clinical Examination and Associated Comorbidities of Early Onset Scoliosis. In: Akbarnia, B., Yazici, M., Thompson, G. (eds) The Growing Spine. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-48284-1_8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-48284-1_8

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-662-48283-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-662-48284-1

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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