The importance of three-dimensional (3D) assessment of scoliosis has been increasingly recognized. The plane of maximum curvature (PMC), end-apical-end vertebrae plane (EAEP) and best-fit plane (BFP) could assist in reviewing the 3D features of spinal deformities. However, some questions related to PMC, EAEP & BFP have not been thoroughly studied such as (1) any potential differences among them; (2) techniques for obtaining them; (3) and their applications in scoliosis. Therefore, this paper aimed to systematically review the relevant articles to provide useful information for exploring the applications of these 3D descriptors in the clinical assessment and management of scoliosis. This study revealed that BFP could be superior to EAEP and PMC orderly in describing 3D features of a curve segment while it was unknown if the superiority would This is the Pre-Published Version.