Information
Scoliosis – Information for GPs
Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine, usually occurring during rapid growth. It is often picked up after a holiday when a parent has seen the child in a swimsuit. Any further deterioration is unlikely after the cessation of growth.
Please ask about pain, lower limb neurology, family history.
On examination there is often asymmetry at the shoulders, scapulae, waist or anterior superior iliac crests.
When examining them on forward flexion there is often unilateral elevation of the posterior ribcage.
Please advise patients that no exercise will make it worse, and swimming may help.
Please refer to orthopaedics and do not x-ray.
