Evaluation of the Patient with Scoliosis
Scoliosis may occur throughout growth and devlopment. The most common form, adolsecent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), usually becomes apparent during the adolescent growth spurt. Infantile and junvenile forms of scoliosis become apparent earlier in development. Initial inspection of the newborn is the first chance to identify an underlying pathology that ultimately may lead to the devlopment of scoliosis. Initially, obvious trunk asymmetry is absent. Close observation of patients with congeital or skeletal abnormalities may lead to early detection of spinal deformity, which will allow for timely and effective treatment. Some anomalies such as congenital kyphosis, whether from failure of formation or segmentation, may be difficult to identify in the very young child. Other congenital pathologies such as hemivertebrae may result in severe scoliosis. These congenital pathologies may not become clinically apparent until the child attains an upright, umbulatory stance. Occasionally early surgi...