Spinal Curvature News and Research

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Young scoliosis patients do not need routine MRI scanning before spinal surgery

Most patients with scoliosis developing after age ten don't need routine magnetic resonance imaging scanning before spine-straightening surgery, suggests a study in the April 14 issue of Spine. The journal is published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, a part of Wolters Kluwer Health.

19 Apr 2011

Heavy backpacks can increase back pain in children

Heavy backpacks place a measurable strain on the spines of children, with heavier loads causing greater spinal strain and increased back pain, reports a study in the January 1 issue of Spine.

28 Jan 2010

Use of braces in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is still an area of controversy

The use of braces to correct excessive curvature of the spine, or scoliosis, in adolescents is still an area of controversy — and is likely to remain that way until there is better evidence, concludes a new review of published research. Although some evidence points toward a benefit from using braces, research has failed to prove definitively that they work.

20 Jan 2010

Progressive infantile scoliosis responds well to a series of casts: Study

When parents are told their babies' scoliosis needs treatment, they often try bracing first. If that fails, they need surgery to place metal rods in their backs with spinal fusion later on. These children face the risk of complications from the surgery and their backs and chests may be stiff for life.

1 Oct 2009

Scoliosis gene found

Physicians have recognized scoliosis, the abnormal curvature of the spine, since the time of Hippocrates, but its causes have remained a mystery -- until now. For the first time, researchers have discovered a gene that underlies the condition, which affects about 3 percent of all children.

26 Jun 2007