Scoliosis

The use of school screening for the early detection of scoliosis and spinal deformities has become widespread in the United States and Canada. Since scoliosis screening is not mandated in Taiwan, knowledge and research about scoliosis in school-age children are relatively lacking. The purpose of this paper is to review relevant literature to summarize its definition, etiology, symptoms and signs, epidemiological data, various screening and treatment methods etc. School scoliosis screening plans are also introduced in this paper. Important points considered include the prevalence rates of 0.3 ~ 19%, the majority of which is of the idiopathic type, and the risk factors of family history, being female, and the rapid development stage between the ages of 9 to 15 years. In most cases the curvature of the spine is so mild that the only treatment needed is close observation by a physician. Other forms of treatment may include exercises, a brace, surgery, or a combination of these. Finally, recommendation is made to target 10-16 year old students for yearly screening; and further referral and follow-up processes are planned in this paper.