Progression in Untreated Idiopathic Scoliosis After end of Growth

Abstract

Seventy patients more than 16 years of age with untreated idiopathic scoliosis were followed-up for a mean period of 8.5 years. The majority of curves increased; 3° per year before 20 years of age and 1° per year after 20 years. Curves beiow 40° increased significantly less than bigger curves and curves from 60–80° increased the most. Single curves increased significantly more than double curves; thoracic curves increased significantly more than lumbar curves. It is concluded that surgery should be recommended to adolescent patients with thoracic or thoraco-lumbar single curves larger than 40°, and that patients not treated operatively should be followed-up through early adult life.