Screening school children for scoliosis.

Idiopathic scoliosis can be detected by early screening of school children in school clinics, a method which improves the detection rate. By early detection, many curves that would require surgical treatment can be prevented from reaching that severe magnitude. Much valuable data regarding the natural history of idiopathic scoliosis have been derived from screening programs. On the other hand, costs of screening are not inconsequential, and costs involved in follow-up procedures are high. Vast numbers of small, nonprogressive curves are discovered and followed. Several questions remain. (1) At what ages should school children be screened? (2) Should boys be screened? (3) What should be the criteria for referral or treatment? (4) What is a reasonable follow-up program? (5) How effective is nonoperative treatment? Careful study of the natural history and treatment of idiopathic scoliosis will help to answer these questions.