New and Traditional Treatment Options for Idiopathic Scoliosis in Children and Adolescents

Abstract

Scoliosis is a medical condition common in children and adolescents, which causes an abnormal curvature of the spine in a “C” or “S” shape. Three main forms of scoliosis exist: neuromuscular, congenital, and idiopathic with idiopathic being most common. Traditional treatments include observation, rigid bracing (a corrective orthosis), casting, surgery, and physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises. Surgical corrections include spinal fusion or placement of traditional or growing rods. Treatment options for scoliosis have recently expanded, to include newer flexible bracing and surgical procedures such as tethering and posterior dynamic deformity correction. Providers should be screening for scoliosis, and all providers can benefit from knowing the latest options available to help their patients receive the best care before reaching skeletal maturity.