Scoliosis evaluation.

The office evaluation of the patient with suspected or confirmed scoliosis is directed toward establishing the etiology (if a known one exists), defining the configuration and magnitude of the deformity, making an estimate of the likely outcome for the patient based on existing knowledge of the natural history of the patient's deformity, and selecting management options. The evaluation tools needed are the patient interview, physical examination, frequently diagnostic radiology, and sometimes other laboratory studies.