[Idiopathic scoliosis].

INTRODUCTION: Idiopathic scoliosis is a structural and lateral curvature of the spine for which a currently recognizable cause has not been found and there is no basic evidence for physical and radiographic pathology.

COMPLICATIONS: Scoliosis could be a cause of the back pain, deformities, respiratory and cardiology problems. There is a higher risk for decreasing of bone mineral density.

DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT: Physical examination, radiography and stereophotogrametry are used in diagnostics of idiopathic scoliosis. The management of idiopathic scoliosis can be conservative or operative. The main forms of conservative management are: therapy exercises, electrical stimulation and spinal orthosis. The primary aim of scoliosis management is to stop curvature progression. The improvement of pulmonary function (vital capacity) and treatment of pain are also of major importance. THE GUIDELINES FOR CONSERVATIVE MANAGEMENT OF SCOLIOSIS: The International Society on Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment gave the guidelines for conservative management of scoliosis. Conservative management of scoliosis includes: a) Lyonaise, Side-Shift, Dobosiewicz, Schroth and other kinesitherapy methods, b) scoliosis intensive rehabilitation which appears to be effective with respect to many signs and symptoms of scoliosis and with respect to impeding curvature progression and c) brace treatment, which has been found to be effective in preventing curvature progression and thus in altering the natural history of idiopathic scoliosis.

CONCLUSION: The International Society has given the standards for kinesitherapy, intensive rehabilitation and spinal orthosis in clinical practice and clinical investigations. Surgical procedures can improve curves in the frontal plane, but have important limitations in maintaining fixation and achieving correction in other planes.