Abstract
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most characteristic disorder of the adolescent
spine. It is a three-dimensional (3D) disorder that occurs from 10 years of age and
comprises 90% of all idiopathic scolioses. Imaging plays a central role in the diagnosis
and follow-up of patients with AIS. Modern imaging offers 3D assessment of scoliosis
with less radiation exposure. Imaging helps rule out occult conditions that cause
spinal deformity. Various imaging methods are also used to assess skeletal maturity
in patients with AIS, thus determining the growth spurt and risk of progression of
scoliosis. This article provides a brief overview of the pathophysiology, biomechanics,
clinical features, and modern imaging of AIS relevant to radiologists in clinical
settings.
Keywords
adolescents - magnetic resonance imaging - scoliosis - radiographs - computed tomography
