The aim of this study was to evaluate the radiographic outcomes obtained in a sample of patients treated with a chiropractic scoliosis-specific exercise program for patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Patients were treated and subsequently followed through skeletal maturity, and their results were reported in accordance with the SOSORT Consensus Guidelines. A total of 60 patient charts were consecutively selected when they met inclusion criteria. Cobb angle measurements and Risser staging were collected on all images. Using SOSORT criteria, 51.7% of patients achieved curve correction and 38.3% achieved stabilization. In the curve correction group, average total correction was 12.75°. A small number of sampled patients’ curves progressed, with a 13% failure rate based upon patients who dropped out before skeletal maturity combined with those who had progressed at skeletal maturity. Future studies are needed to corroborate these observations.

No abstract

Objective: The purpose of this review was to evaluate the current body of literature on chiropractic treatment of idiopathic scoliosis against the 2014 consensus paper of the Society on Scoliosis Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT) and the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) Non-Operative Management Committee for outcome reporting in nonoperative treatments. Methods: A search of the PubMed and Index to Chiropractic Literature databases for studies published from January 2000 through February 2016 detailing specific treatments and outcomes for idiopathic scoliosis was conducted. Results: A total of 27 studies that discussed chiropractic scoliosis treatments were identified. Of these, there were 15 case reports, 10 case series, 1 prospective cohort, and 1 randomized clinical trial. Of the 27 studies, only 2 described their outcomes as recommended in the 2014 SOSORT and SRS Non-Operative Management Committee consensus paper. Conclusion: The 2014 SOSORT and SRS Non-Operative Committee consensus paper details the format and types of outcomes they collectively believe are the most important and relevant to the patient. Among the chiropractic studies located in this review, 2 described outcomes consistent with how SOSORT recommends they be reported. Given that these consensus papers form the basis for nonoperative treatment recommendations and outcome reporting, future chiropractic studies should seek to report their outcomes as recommended by these papers. This will allow for better interprofessional collaboration and methodologic comparison. (J Chiropr Med 2017;16:64-71)

There are few conservative treatment options for patients with adult idiopathic scoliosis. These typically include pharmacologic pain management, epidural injections, and generalized CAM treatments such as massage and chiropractic manipulation. The purpose of this study was to compare the post-treatment results in patients wearing the scoliosis activity suit versus baseline assessments as well as adult scoliosis patients who did not wear the activity suit. The pain and Cobb angle outcomes of 53 consecutive patients with adult idiopathic scoliosis following a trial of a scoliosis activity suit were reviewed. The average scores and measurements at 18 months were statistically significantly improved for both the quadruple numerical pain rating scale as well as Cobb angle. The scoliosis activity suit may be a viable supportive therapy for the treatment of chronic pain associated with adult idiopathic scoliosis. Further prospective studies should evaluate treatment effects of this suit using intent-to-treat methodology.

No abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the immediate and 6-month effects of a scoliosis traction chair on scoliosis rotation and Cobb angle. The scoliosis traction chair has been used clinically for 10 years and has been part of previous studies, but has not been the focus of any previous study. Our goal was to test the scoliosis traction chair’s ability to de-rotate the spine to create scoliosis correction. Fifteen patient files were retrospectively selected for study. Patients were radiographically studied in a proprietary traction chair to evaluate impact on Cobb angle and apical vertebral rotation. Six-month follow-up results were recorded. Six-month results showed an average overall Cobb angle increase of about 7°. Patients with in-chair apical de-rotation showed 9° of Cobb angle improvement, while those with increased in-chair apical rotation showed an average 16° progression. Scoliotic curves whose apical rotation worsened on stress radiography showed deterioration of the curve at 6 months. Those with improved apical rotation showed Cobb angle corrections at 6 months. Since progression of scoliotic curvatures was observed in our cohort of patients after 6 months of home and clinical use, it is imperative that further studies attempt to qualify which patients and scoliosis curve patterns are best suited for the scoliosis traction chair.

The effects of genetic variations of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) enzyme activity have been the discussion of many research papers. It has been associated with multiple neurological sequelae, and has been implicated in other chronic diseases. Although many genetic influences on the development and/or progression of idiopathic scoliosis have been reported, there has been no report of any relationship between MTHFR mutations and idiopathic scoliosis. This paper compared two groups of patients who received MTHFR genetic testing. One group had a history of idiopathic scoliosis, while the other served as a control group. The scoliosis group showed a positive MTHFR mutation in 23 out of 44 patients, while the control group showed 11/44 (P < 0.01). Given the increased incidence of MTHFR defects in scoliosis patients, this study warrants further investigation into how MTHFR variations may trigger the development or progression of idiopathic scoliosis.

Previous investigations into the relationship between neurotransmitter abnormalities and idiopathic scoliosis have been mixed. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the differences in a urinary neurotransmitter profile across three different groups. These groups included a progressive scoliosis group, a non-progressive scoliosis group, and a non-scoliotic control group. When evaluating urinary neurotransmitter levels across all groups, statistically significant differences were observed between all three groups for multiple neurotransmitters. The differences seemed to increase as the scoliosis increased in Cobb angle measurement. Further studies should seek to distinguish a potential cause or effect relationship between these neurotransmitter abnormalities and idiopathic scoliosis onset and/or progression.