Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Etiology: Idiopathic
Imaging Radiograph: Right thoracic curve (dextroscoliosis) = thoracic spine convex right and has compensatory lumbar curve convex left = S-shaped curve
DDX:
Complications: Scoliosis rods occasionally fracture
Treatment:
Clinical:
— Presents in teens
— May not just be adolescent idiopathic scoliosis if there is pain or neurologic signs or rapid change in curve
Note: Atypical curves (short or angular, long single, left thoracic apex) should be investigated further with MRI to determine underlying cause of scoliosis

Radiology Cases of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Radiograph of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis — AP radiograph of the spine shows a primary curvature of the thoracic spine convex to the right and a compensatory curvature of the lumbar spine convex to the left.