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Scoliosis - A Patient Primer.

Edited By: Theodore A. Wagner, M.D.
Last updated Wednesday, February 09, 2005

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Diagnosis and evaluation

How is scoliosis diagnosed?

If scoliosis is suspected, a simple Xray in the frontal plane should be enough to make a diagnosis. For completeness, long (from base of neck to pelvis) front and side view xrays with the patient standing are needed for an adequate evaluation. The majority of adolescent and adult patients do not require an MRI. In the young child however, congenital deformities may be present within the bony spinal elements as well as the spinal cord, and an MRI is often ordered.

Will diagnosing scoliosis cause pain, side effects, or invasive techniques? How are these dealt with?

Radiographs impose radiation upon a patient, and excessive use can lead to malignancy. Patients who do not have any metal within their bodies should have no difficulties with an MRI, which does not use radiation.

What health care professionals may help diagnose scoliosis?

In the adolescent and the young child, school screening by a nurse has diagnosed many a scoliosis, although this screening is not as widespread as it once was. A pediatrician should always examine a patient’s back at a routine physical. Adults often make their own diagnosis, but Xrays can of course be taken by any primary care provider, who can then also make a referral to an orthopaedist.

How can a doctor specializing in scoliosis be found?

Surgeons specializing in scoliosis usually tend to be located in cities, and close to if not at academic medical centers. For physicians in a particular area, websites such as the American Academy of Orthopaedics (www.aaos.org) and SpineUniverse (www.spineuniverse.com) can be helpful. In addition, the Scoliosis Association (www.scoliosis-assoc.org) is a volunteer, non-medical group providing support and information to patients with scoliosis.

Surgery for scoliosis at the University of Washington

If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure, you can request an appointment using our online referrals website. To request a referral online, please click here. You can also call 206-598-4288 (outside the Seattle area: 800-440-3280) to make an appointment.

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