Infantile and Juvenile Scoliosis: The Crooked Path to Diagnosis and Treatment

Wick, Jane Maureen; Konze, Julie; Alexander, Kelly; Sweeney, Chris

doi:10.1016/j.aorn.2009.06.019

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Volume 90, Issue 3 , Pages 347-380, September 2009

Infantile and Juvenile Scoliosis: The Crooked Path to Diagnosis and Treatment

Jane Maureen Wick, RN, BSN
- Jane Maureen Wick, RN, BSN, is a surgical staff nurse at Shriners Hospital, Portland, OR. Ms Wick has no declared affiliation that could be perceived as a potential conflict of interest in publishing this article.
Julie Konze, RN, BSN
- Julie Konze, RN, BSN, is the surgical services charge nurse at Shriners Hospital, Portland, OR. Ms Konze has no declared affiliation that could be perceived as a potential conflict of interest in publishing this article.
Kelly Alexander, RN, BSN
- Kelly Alexander, RN, BSN, is a care coordination nurse at Shriners Hospital, Portland, OR. Ms Alexander has no declared affiliation that could be perceived as a potential conflict of interest in publishing this article.
Chris Sweeney, RN, ADN
- Chris Sweeney, RN, ADN, is a care coordination nurse at Shriners Hospital, Portland, OR. Ms Sweeney has no declared affiliation that could be perceived as a potential conflict of interest in publishing this article.

ABSTRACT

Most cases of scoliosis are diagnosed and treated during adolescence; many are detected in school screening programs. For a small percentage of children, however, the onset of scoliosis occurs much earlier than adolescence.

Infantile scoliosis (ie, onset from birth to two years of age) and juvenile scoliosis (ie, onset from three to nine years of age) involve very different diagnoses and treatment regimens than adolescent scoliosis. Early onset scoliosis may resolve with growth or may require nonsurgical treatment (eg, orthosis, body cast); surgical intervention (eg, halo traction, growing rods, vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib); or a combination of both. AORN J 90 (September 2009) 347-376. © AORN, Inc, 2009.

Key words: scoliosis , infantile scoliosis , juvenile scoliosis , idiopathic scoliosis , congenital scoliosis , neuromuscular scoliosis , orthosis , halo traction , serial casting , growing rods , vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib

New! Complete this CE activity online at aorn.org/CE indicates that continuing education contact hours are available for this activity. Earn the contact hours by reading this article and taking the examination on pages 377–378 and then completing the answer sheet and learner evaluation on pages 379–380. The contact hours for this article expire September 30, 2012.This article is also approved for 7.2 (S) Category I credits by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics for the following programs: orthotists, orthotic assistants, and orthotic technicians.The behavioral objectives and examination for this program were prepared by Rebecca Holm, RN, MSN, CNOR, clinical editor, with consultation from Susan Bakewell, RN, MS, BC, director, Center for Perioperative Education. Ms Holm and Ms Bakewell have no declared affiliations that could be perceived as potential conflicts of interest in publishing this article.This program meets criteria for CNOR and CRNFA recertification, as well as other continuing education requirements.AORN is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.AORN recognizes these activities as continuing education for registered nurses. This recognition does not imply that AORN or the American Nurses Credentialing Center approves or endorses products mentioned in the activity.AORN is provider-approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number CEP 13019. Check with your state board of nursing for acceptance of this activity for relicensure.Editor's note: VEPTR is a trademark of Synthes Spine Company, West Chester, PA.