Clinical investigation and imaging

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) affects 2–4 % of children and is diagnosed between age 10 and skeletal maturity. The female to male ratio for mild curves less than 20° is 1.5:1; however, progression to a severe deformity occurs more often in females (Weinstein in JAMA 289(5):559–567, 2003). Despite significant ongoing research, including into the genetic basis for AIS, there are currently no identifiable causes, and therefore the disorder still remains a diagnosis of exclusion. History, physical examination and radiographic assessment must exclude other possible causes of spinal deformity and are crucial in predicting the risk of curve progression. History should focus on family history, menarche, presence or absence of pain, sports activities and neurologic changes. Physical examination concentrates on anthropometric data, pubertal staging, neurologic testing and specific investigation of the spine, with the Adams’ forward bending test being the most meaningful step to evaluate trunk rotation. Definitive diagnosis cannot be made without imaging. The gold standard remains plain radiography with assessment of the Cobb angle on a standing coronal radiograph of the entire spine. A lateral X-ray is used for assessing sagittal balance and for evaluating the deformity in the sagittal plane. If available, surface topography can accompany the follow-up in AIS, reducing the radiation exposure. The role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in AIS is an ongoing matter of debate. Common indications for MRI are the presence of an atypical curve pattern and abnormal neurological findings.