Thoracic curves are at higher risk for progression than thoracolumbar curves or lumbar curves. Patients whose curves are of consequential magnitude prior to onset of their adolescent growth spurt are at significant risk for curve progression. Treatment options include observation, bracing or surgery. The primary goal of brace management is to stop curve progression. Brace removal for participation in sports is strongly encouraged.
Surgery is undertaken with two goals in mind.
The primary one is to prevent spine deformity progression and the secondary one is to diminish spinal deformity. With current instrumentation techniques, post-operative casting and bracing are not required in most idiopathic scoliosis cases. There is no scientifically documented role for exercises, manipulation or electrical stimulation in the management of scoliosis.