Highlights
Who Has Scoliosis?
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A report in the journal Spine suggests that scoliosis is more prevalent than previously thought in the adult population. Researchers found that scoliosis was present in 68% of 75 healthy adults 60 years or older with no known history of scoliosis or prior spine surgery. This is higher than the previously reported rate of about 32% in the adult population, although in most cases, the scoliosis did not impair physical or emotional functioning.
Predicting Scoliosis
Until recently, it has been very difficult to predict whether scoliosis that develops in adolescents will become worse. New methods for predicting progression of the curvature include measuring nerve impulses in the muscles supporting the spine and making predictions using computer analyses.
Screening for Scoliosis
The issue of whether to screen for scoliosis remains controversial. The US Preventive Services Task Force continues to recommend against routine screening in adolescents. By contrast, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons continue to support the use of routine screening, although at differing ages during adolescence.
Spinal Braces
It is widely accepted that the use of braces helps keep spinal curvatures from getting worse in adolescents, but getting the patients to wear braces as directed continues to be a problem.
Recent data indicate that patients who wear a brace as directed (“compliance”) have better success rates. Studies show that he compliance rate for the patients whose curve progressed by more than 5 degrees was 62%. The compliance rate for the patients who did not progress was 85%.
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