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Published on 03-24-2010 04:07 AM
Number of Views: 4299
Future of Scoliosis Treatment
George H. Thompson, MD Past President, Scoliosis Research Society
The treatment of idiopathic scoliosis, particularly conservative treatment, has been controversial. It has been difficult to determine which patients were going to progress, and who would benefit from conservative treatment (physical therapy, bracing, etc.) or require surgery.
Genetic testing will soon be available, that will help answer some of the questions. An analysis of 51 DNA markers associated with scoliosis has allowed determination of three specific groups of patients: no risk for progression, moderate risk, and those that will progress to 45 degrees or more and probably require surgery.
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