Sizing Up Scoliosis

Social acceptability of treatments for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a cross-sectional study

“…On the clinical side, when proposing a treatment for AIS, the patient's preferences should carefully be considered, discussing the different therapeutic options [ 23 , 24 ] according to the actual evidence[ 11 ]; several decision aids have been developed in literature [ 31 ], and one relating to surgery for AIS can be found on the Internet [ 31 ]. On the scientific side, the current consensus [ 5 , 6 , 32 ], and increasing focus of research (Table 4 ), in favour of aggressive AIS treatments should be carefully reconsidered: our results reveal a gap separating the scientific and everyday worlds. Policy-makers should take into account these results when making decisions about school screening and research funding.…”

Why do we treat adolescent idiopathic scoliosis? What we want to obtain and to avoid for our patients. SOSORT 2005 Consensus paper

“…In fact, in the 50 year natural history study by Weinstein, patients with severe thoracic curves have a decreased pulmonary function, with an increased risk of shortness of breath[ 36 ]. Sponseller raised some questions on the possibility that there may exist a correlation between pulmonary function and mortality (since at least 4 persons in Weinstein's series could have died because of that and the cause for too many others is unknown[ 11 ]). Long-term data on braced and surgically treated comparable patients are actually lacking.…”

“…The cornerstone studies (even if with possible methodological flaws [ 19 ]) on the long term natural history of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis published in these years by Weinstein [ 33 - 36 ], the last one with an outstanding editorial by Sponseller [ 11 ]. He focused on other issues that could be determinant for patients in the long term, such as Progression in Adulthood (PiA), Breathing Function (BF) (in terms of survival), function in life (marrying, child-bearing, employment, depression, Back Pain [BP], Dis, Aes, neurological impairment).…”

Low Radiation X-rays: Benefiting People Globally by Reducing Cancer Risks

“…The milestone findings might bring lights and welfare for thousands and millions of adolescents. Sponseller [21] validated the outcome and further suggested only severe AIS patients (major thoracic curve: Cobb angle >80 degrees; major lumbar curve: Cobb angle >120 degrees) should be considered for surgical intervention. Given the low awareness of these insights, we distilled the essence of these articles and published through Chinese new media platform.…”