Clinical and Roentgenographic Evaluation of the Scoliosis Patient

Abstract

Although scoliosis may play a relatively small role in the average orthopaedist’s practice, it is a most difficult condition to treat. One reason is that scoliosis is a very emotionally charged condition. The parents usually have severe guilt feelings because they feel that they have neglected their child. They feel even worse when they learn that most cases of idiopathic scoliosis have a genetic basis, and that they “gave” it to their child. In addition, they find out that the earlier scoliosis is diagnosed, the better it can be treated. This usually leads to hostility, whether justified or not, against the family physician or pediatrician for not noticing the curvature in his routine office or camp physical. Often by the time the family reaches the orthopaedist’s office they are confused, hostile, and frightened. It is important at the consultation for the orthopaedist to remember that first of all he is a physician. He must use great tact in his initial interview, since those moments may make the difference between proper acceptance of treatment by the patient and family or total rejection.