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Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2022; 26(04): 501-509
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1755392
Review Article

The Adolescent Spine

Paolo Simoni 
1   Department of Pediatric Imaging, Reine Fabiola Children's University Hospital, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
,
Giulia Negro
1   Department of Pediatric Imaging, Reine Fabiola Children's University Hospital, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
,
Marine Moeremans
1   Department of Pediatric Imaging, Reine Fabiola Children's University Hospital, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
,
Alessandro De Leucio 
1   Department of Pediatric Imaging, Reine Fabiola Children's University Hospital, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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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


Publication History

Article published online:
14 September 2022

© 2022. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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