America’s main medical groups that treat scoliosis have responded to recently released research that confirms that the early and appropriate treatment for scoliosis is effective in halting or minimising the progression of spinal curvature. The joint statement, “Screening for the Early Detection of Idiopathic Scoliosis in Adolescents,” is a collaboration between the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA) and the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS).

A large portion of the stated research is due to the study by Weinstein¹, “Effects of Bracing in Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis” in 2013 which documented excellent outcomes in preventing curve progression and surgery in children that were screened and diagnosed early and treated with a custom brace.

The key recommendations from the joint statement are:

• Screening examinations for girls at age 10 and boys at age 12
• Screenings to be performed by well trained personnel, capable of administering the Adam’s Forward Bending Test and use of the scoliometer to correctly measure and identify abnormal curve patterns and refer for additional testing and imaging as required
• Ensure imaging is performed using low as reasonably achievable radiation levels
• Bracing is an effective intervention to reduce the risk of progression to prevent surgery

At VSRC we are able to provide custom scoliosis braces (Chéneau-Gensingsen) that have shown to be effective in halting curves and in some cases improving curves.² This combined with the Schroth Method Program has been more effective than bracing or the Schroth Method alone.³ If you have concerns your child may have a scoliosis feel free to contact us and we can organise a screening.

If you would like to read the full position statement “Screening for the Early Detection of Idiopathic Scoliosis in Adolescents” you can read it here.

1- Stuart L. Weinstein, M.D., Lori A. Dolan, Ph.D., James G. Wright, M.D., M.P.H., and Matthew B. Dobbs, M.D. Effects of Bracing in Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis. N Engl J Med 2013
2 – Weiss HR, Kleban A. Development of CAD/CAM Based Brace Models for the Treatment of Patients with Scoliosis-Classification Based Approach versus Finite Element Modelling.  Asian Spine J. 2015 Oct 9
3 – Negrini S, Donzelli S, Lusini M, Minnella S, Zaina F. The effectiveness of combined bracing and exercise in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis based on SRS and SOSORT criteria: a prospective study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2014.