Predicting growth and curve progression in the individual patient with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

The goal of this study is to develop an algorithm for predicting the timing and magnitude of the peak growth velocity in the individual patient with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The predictive value is determined of several maturity indicators that reflect growth or remaining growth potential. examples are different length measurements, secondary sexual characteristics, skeletal age in different areas, and EMG measurements of the paraspinal muscles. Furthermore, these parameters are evaluated for their correlation with curve progression in the individual scoliosis patient.

Goal is to develop an algorithm for determination of the timing and magnitude of the peak growth velocity in the individual patient with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

All the growth parameters are measured every 6 months at regular follow up of the idiopathic scoliosis.

This study is primarily observational. Several growth parameters are measured and observed in order to determine the relationship with the peak growth velocity and the scoliosis progression.

Parameters are: Measurement of height, sitting height, leg length, lateral armspan, foot length, shoe size, weight. Determination of secondary sexual characteristics. Measurement of EMG ratios of the paraspinal muscles. Determination of skeletal age in the hand, elbow, and pelvis. Status of the triradiate cartilage, Risser sign. Follow up of the Cobbe angle, the rotations in the spine, and the length of teh scoliotic spine.