Scoliosis—treatment indications according to current evidence

HR Weiss, M Moramarco

Abstract

Introduction

Long-term follow-ups of untreated patients with adolescent idiopathic 

scoliosis (AIS) indicate that the consequences of AIS over a lifetime are 

minimal, sometimes moderate in more severe cases, however, never 

life-threatening. In light of these findings, the historical indications 

for treatment should be investigated according to current evidence.

Recent reviews have been investigated for their contribution to 

evidence in the field of scoliosis treatment—especially the impact of 

the results obtained on the historical modes of treatment. 

From these findings, we may conclude that there is promising 

evidence for the application of physiotherapy in the treatment of scoliosis in children or adolescents and for adults with curvatures exceeding 35° 

Cobb. There is a stronger evidence for the application of (hard) braces 

during growth. There is no evidence for spinal fusion surgery for AIS. The 

use of surgery should be limited in patients with scoliosis of other origin. This critical review discusses the treatment methods for scoliosis.

Conclusion

There is some evidence for the use of physiotherapy as a treatment for 

scoliosis. There is strong evidence for the use of hard braces during growth. 

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