Natural history and nonoperative decision making for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

With a knowledge of the natural history of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, the important factors in the patient evaluation are highlighted. The decision-making process uses these factors and aids in the decision to treat or not, and with treatment, what type of treatment is to be instituted. As studies have shown that nonoperative treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with an orthosis is effective, a logical and appropriate treatment plan can be outlined for each patient. This will give control of appropriate curves with reduction in the need for surgery.