Idiopathic scoliosis. Natural history.

This study reviews the prognostic factors in curve progression in untreated idiopathic scoliosis patients followed an average of 40 years. A select group of 54 patients with 67 curves with complete radiographs from initial presentation, skeletal maturity, 30-year follow-up and 40-year follow-up were analyzed for radiographic factors leading to curve progression. Analysis of these patients confirmed that the radiographic factors identified at skeletal maturity leading to curve progression apply to the skeletally immature patient as well.