title: Raising awareness of scoliosis among children's nurses.
abstract: Scoliosis affects up to 3% of adolescents, some babies and young children, and many children with existing neuromuscular and syndromic conditions. It is the most common spinal deformity. Not all children with scoliosis require active intervention, but for more significant, progressive curves, bracing and/or surgery may be required. Bracing studies have historically been of low methodological quality, but a recent randomised controlled trial ( Weinstein et al 2013 ) has shown the efficacy of bracing in decreasing curve progression, thus reducing the necessity of surgery for some patients. Modern surgical techniques are effective in correcting scoliosis, but the surgery is major, with significant risks. Early identification of scoliosis is vital to maximise effective treatment, support the child and family, and optimise holistic health.
authors.affiliation: James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough.
authors.forename: Cheryl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Honeyman
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D010371:Pediatric Nursing; D015995:Prevalence; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: Adolescence; children; congenital conditions; idiopathic; scoliosis; screening; spinal deformity; spinal surgery