title: Preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evaluation in Patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.
abstract: METHODS
  Retrospective case series.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to examine the incidence of neural axis abnormalities and the relevant risk factors in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  The use of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess the whole spine in patients with idiopathic scoliosis is controversial, and indications for such MRI evaluations have not been definitively established. However, we routinely use whole-spine MRI in patients with scoliosis who are scheduled to undergo surgical correction.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 378 consecutive patients with presumed AIS who were admitted for spinal surgery were examined for neural axis abnormalities using MRI. To differentiate patients with normal and abnormal MRI findings, the following clinical parameters were evaluated: age, sex, menarcheal status, rotation angle (using a scoliometer), coronal balance, shoulder height difference, and low back pain. We radiographically evaluated curve type, thoracic or thoracolumbar curve direction, curve magnitude and flexibility, apical vertebral rotation, curve length, coronal balance, sagittal balance, shoulder height difference, thoracic kyphosis, and the Risser sign.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Neural axis abnormalities were detected in 24 patients (6.3%). Abnormal MRI findings were significantly more common in males than in females and were associated with increased thoracic kyphosis. However, there were no significant differences in terms of the other measured parameters.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Among the patients with presumed AIS who received preoperative whole-spine MRI, 6.3% had neural axis abnormalities. Males and patients with increased thoracic kyphosis were at a higher risk.
authors.affiliation: Scoliosis Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Choon Sung
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Scoliosis Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Chang Ju
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Hwang
authors.affiliation: Scoliosis Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Nam Heun
authors.initials: NH
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Scoliosis Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Hyun Min
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Noh
authors.affiliation: Scoliosis Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Mi Young
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Scoliosis Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: So Jung
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Yoon
authors.affiliation: Scoliosis Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Dong-Ho
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Lee
keywords: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis; Magnetic resonance imaging; Neural axis abnormality