ABSTRACT
A component of the evaluation of scoliosis in children is radiography of the spine,
initially in anteroposterior and lateral projections. In selected circumstances, additional
imaging of the neural axis with magnetic resonance imaging is indicated to identify
or exclude an associated spinal cord or neural canal abnormality. The initial management
of scoliosis is almost always conservative, employing bracing or casting. When conservative
methods fail to control curvature progression, spinal surgery is indicated. A variety
of instrumentation devices have been developed in order to reduce and stabilize spinal
curvatures. This article will dicuss and illustrate the more frequently used instrumentation
devices as well as other selected aspects of spinal surgery.
KEYWORDS
Scoliosis - imaging - surgery - spine
