The treatment of idiopathic scoliosis

The treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis continues to evolve. The advent of a new classification system has improved our ability to communicate. The comprehensive system delineates six different curve patterns all incorporating both coronal, lumbar, and sagittal modifiers. The attempt to standardize objective criteria will allow for long-term comparisons and will improve our ability to look at outcomes. This will lead to better standardization and perhaps treatment. The goal still remains a globally balanced patient in both the sagittal and coronal plane. The literature during the last year has assessed the surgical technique, psychosocial factors, predictors of progression, and alterations in the range of motion of the spine.