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Evidence summaries

Natural History of Untreated Idiopathic Scoliosis

Untreated adults with idiopathic scoliosis may have little physical impairment other than back pain and cosmetic concerns. Level of evidence: "C"

A cohort of patients with idiopathic, untreated scoliosis was followed for 50 years 1. At the mean age of 66 years (range 54-80 years) the patients had little physical impairment compared with age- and sex-matched controls. 61% of the patients had back pain compared to 35% of the controls. 22% of the patients complained of shortness of breath compared to 15% of controls.

    References

    • Weinstein SL, Dolan LA, Spratt KF, Peterson KK, Spoonamore MJ, Ponseti IV. Health and function of patients with untreated idiopathic scoliosis: a 50-year natural history study. JAMA 2003 Feb 5;289(5):559-67. [PubMed]

Primary/Secondary Keywords