title: [Scoliosis].
abstract: Recent advances in the knowledge of the spontaneous course, pathogenesis and therapy of scoliosis are reported. In adolescent scoliosis, which is the most common form, the necessity for improving systematic detection is emphasized. Diagnostic procedures and currently accepted pathogenetic hypotheses are recalled. Therapeutic indications, which are closely dependent on the severity and the prognosis of each case, are outlined. Physical therapy is often unduly prescribed in patients with non-progressive curves, leading to useless expense. Concerning congenital scoliosis, it is pointed out that progressive scoliosis does not develop in all vertebral malformations. Conversely, progressive scoliosis secondary to vertebral malformations is often severe and may require a surgical procedure in early life. In neurologic scoliosis, preventive steps should be taken as soon as the underlying neurologic disease is diagnosed; therapy should be initiated when the angle is still small. In infants, scoliosis follows a spontaneously regressive course in 92% of cases.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000151:congenital / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D013997:Time Factors
vernacular_title: Les scolioses.