Surveillance

  • Spinal care should include monitoring for scoliosis. This is done by clinical observation throughout the ambulatory phase and with a spinal X-ray only if scoliosis is observed. In the non-ambulatory phase, clinical assessment for scoliosis is essential at each clinic visit.
  • Spinal radiography (X-ray) should be done as a baseline assessment around the time of becoming wheelchair-dependent. Special X-rays getting two views of the full spine are needed. Follow up X-rays should be done at least once per year if there is a problem. Gaps of greater than one year between X-rays have the risk of missing a worsening of scoliosis. After growth has stopped X-rays are only needed if there is any change clinically.

Information based on consensus statement (published in January 2010)