Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Conservative treatment with a brace continues to remain controversial. A recent study on the efficacy of brace treatment by the Scoliosis Research Society Study Group found it to be efficient, however, and recommends it. Surgical treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis must be tailored to each individual need, type of curve, and surgeon's expertise. A straighter curve does not necessarily mean better for each curve. Recent advances in pedicle screw instrumentation, although powerful in the rate of correction achieved, carry a definitive increase in neurologic risk and must be used only when justified and by experienced teams.