Adolescent idiopathic
scoliosis (AIS) has a
diagnosis rate of 3% to 5% per year, but the number of cases requiring surgical
treatments is very small,
accounting for only 0.17% to 1.75% of all AIS
patients. Most
patients with AIS are diagnosed, treated, and managed in
outpatient clinics.Current Concepts AIS is a
disease that occurs more frequently, and progresses faster, in
females than in
males.
Scoliosis deformity can occur due to various causes. To differentially
diagnose AIS, it is necessary to perform careful
physical examinations, investigate
family history, and check for neurological,
growth, and developmental
abnormalities. Definitive
diagnosis of AIS can be performed through radiographic imaging. In the case of atypical curvature and symptoms, examinations such as
magnetic resonance imaging could be required in addition to radiographic imaging.
Treatment of AIS
patients in
outpatient clinics can be performed through
observation,
exercise, and
orthosis. The selection and application of
treatment methods and the termination period of the
treatments are complexly affected by the age at the
time of
diagnosis; pattern,
location and size of the curve; and
growth potential.Discussion and
Conclusion:
AIS is a
disease in which good results can be obtained with
conservative treatments such as
exercise and
orthosis, which is generally applied in an
outpatient setting. To properly treat AIS, it is necessary to have an in-depth
understanding of the characteristics of AIS, timing of
treatment, and factors influencing
treatment.