jcm-logo

Journal Browser

Journal Browser

Scoliosis: Advances in Diagnosis and Management

A special issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN 2077-0383). This special issue belongs to the section "Orthopedics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 22 December 2025 | Viewed by 2805

Special Issue Editor


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Paediatric Orthopaedics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland
Interests: scoliosis; growth modulation; neuro-orthopedics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Scoliosis, a three-dimensional deformity of the spine, affects millions of individuals worldwide. While adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most prevalent type, various other forms exist, including adult scoliosis, congenital scoliosis, and neuromuscular scoliosis. Each type presents unique challenges in diagnosis and management, demanding a comprehensive and individualized approach to care.

This Special Issue of the Journal of Clinical Medicine (JCM) aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in the diagnosis and management of scoliosis. We invite submissions that explore cutting-edge research, innovative techniques, and emerging trends in the field. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Advanced imaging techniques: Novel applications of X-ray, MRI, and 3D imaging in scoliosis assessment.
  • Biomechanical modeling: Utilizing computational models to understand scoliosis progression and optimize treatment strategies.
  • Non-surgical management: Advances in bracing, physical therapy, and other conservative approaches.
  • Surgical interventions: Innovations in surgical techniques, instrumentation, and minimally invasive approaches.
  • Patient-reported outcomes: Assessing the impact of scoliosis and its treatment on quality of life.
  • Personalized medicine: Tailoring treatment strategies based on individual patient characteristics and disease progression.

We welcome submissions in the form of original research articles and reviews. This Special Issue will be a valuable resource for clinicians, researchers, and other healthcare professionals involved in the care of individuals with scoliosis.

Prof. Dr. Michal Latalski
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Clinical Medicine is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • scoliosis
  • adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
  • adult scoliosis
  • congenital scoliosis
  • neuromuscular scoliosis
  • diagnosis
  • imaging
  • treatment
  • surgery
  • bracing
  • rehabilitation
  • patient-reported outcomes
  • quality of life

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (3 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Other

10 pages, 1650 KB  
Article
Radiographic Outcomes After Growing Rod Treatment in Early-Onset Scoliosis: With Versus Without Final Fusion Surgery
by Yunjin Nam, Udit Patel, Sangmin Lee, Jungwook Lim, Jae Hyuk Yang and Seung Woo Suh
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(20), 7184; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14207184 - 12 Oct 2025
Viewed by 330
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Early-onset scoliosis (EOS) is often treated with growing rods, which use distraction-based correction to control deformity while allowing spinal growth. Although effective in the coronal plane, this technique may adversely affect sagittal alignment, particularly thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis. Whether final [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Early-onset scoliosis (EOS) is often treated with growing rods, which use distraction-based correction to control deformity while allowing spinal growth. Although effective in the coronal plane, this technique may adversely affect sagittal alignment, particularly thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis. Whether final fusion surgery is necessary after the growing rod treatment remains controversial. This study compared radiographic outcomes, including coronal and sagittal parameters, between patients with and without final fusion to clarify the value of final fusion. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 19 EOS patients treated with growing rods between 2015 and 2019. Patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion after lengthening were classified as the final fusion group (n = 9), while those with more than 12 months of follow-up without fusion formed the graduated group (n = 10). Demographics, surgical variables, and radiographic parameters (Cobb angle, correction rate, coronal balance, clavicular angle, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, sagittal vertical axis) were compared. Results: Baseline characteristics were similar. At final follow-up, the final fusion group had significantly better outcomes in Cobb angle (24.2° vs. 34.9°, p = 0.002), correction rate (66.6% vs. 40.1%, p = 0.001), and coronal balance (−1.5 mm vs. 19.7 mm, p = 0.004). Sagittal alignment did not differ significantly, but preservation of thoracic kyphosis tended to favor the fusion group. Conclusions: Final fusion surgery after growing rod treatment achieved superior coronal correction and balance compared with observation alone. Although sagittal alignment was not statistically different, a trend toward better thoracic kyphosis preservation was observed. Final fusion should be considered for larger residual curves or coronal imbalance, while observation may suffice in well-corrected cases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Scoliosis: Advances in Diagnosis and Management)
Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 1885 KB  
Article
Curve Progression in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis with Cobb Angles Between 40 and 50 Degrees at the Late Stage of Skeletal Growth: A Minimum 5-Year Follow-Up Study
by Yunjin Nam, Udit Patel, Dong-Gune Chang, Young Bin Lee, Jungwook Lim, Jae Hyuk Yang and Seung Woo Suh
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(15), 5272; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14155272 - 25 Jul 2025
Viewed by 1702
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Surgical treatment is generally recommended for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) when the Cobb angle exceeds 50 degrees even after skeletal maturity or 40 degrees with remaining growth potential. However, limited evidence exists regarding the natural history of curves between 40 and [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Surgical treatment is generally recommended for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) when the Cobb angle exceeds 50 degrees even after skeletal maturity or 40 degrees with remaining growth potential. However, limited evidence exists regarding the natural history of curves between 40 and 50 degrees during the late stage of skeletal growth. This study aimed to evaluate the curve progression in AIS patients with a curve between 40 and 50 degrees at Risser stage IV or V. Methods: The inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) AIS patients at the late stage of skeletal growth (Risser IV or V) and a (2) curve between 40 and 50 degrees, with a minimum follow-up of 5 years. Sex, age, the magnitude of the curve, the location of the apex, Risser stage, height, and weight were measured at the baseline and the final follow-up. Curve progression was defined as an increase in the Cobb angle of ≥5 degrees. Patients were also categorized based on whether their final Cobb angle was <50 or ≥50 degrees to evaluate additional risk factors. Results: A total of 97 patients were included, with a mean follow-up of 97 months. Their mean age was 14.6 years at the baseline and 22.6 years at the final follow-up. The mean Cobb angle increased from 42.6 to 45.1 degrees, with a mean change of 2.7 degrees and an annual progression rate of 0.35 degrees. Curve progression was observed in 38 patients (39.2%), and 24 patients (24.7%) reached a final Cobb angle ≥ 50 degrees. Younger age (p = 0.004) and Risser stage IV (p = 0.014) were significantly associated with curve progression. In patients with a final Cobb angle ≥ 50 degrees, Risser stage IV (p = 0.050) and a larger baseline curve magnitude (p = 0.045) were also significant risk factors. Conclusions: In AIS patients at the late stage of skeletal growth, 39.2% experienced significant curve progression. A younger age and Risser stage IV were identified as risk factors for curve progression. A larger baseline curve magnitude and Risser stage IV were also associated with a final Cobb angle ≥ 50 degrees. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Scoliosis: Advances in Diagnosis and Management)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research

10 pages, 1368 KB  
Technical Note
Construct-to-Construct Internal Distraction and Compression Technique for Scoliosis Correction
by J. Manuel Sarmiento, Rodrigo Navarro-Ramirez, Hoon Choi, Anthony S. Rinella, Han Jo Kim, Lawrence G. Lenke and Michael G. Vitale
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(19), 6939; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14196939 - 30 Sep 2025
Viewed by 380
Abstract
Background: Temporary internal distraction is a safe surgical technique that has been shown to improve correction of severe scoliosis. The traditional surgical adjunct for scoliosis treatment in the perioperative period is halo gravity traction, but there are several known disadvantages of this [...] Read more.
Background: Temporary internal distraction is a safe surgical technique that has been shown to improve correction of severe scoliosis. The traditional surgical adjunct for scoliosis treatment in the perioperative period is halo gravity traction, but there are several known disadvantages of this technique. We describe the technical nuances of temporary internal distraction using the construct-to-construct technique, a surgical adjunct that utilizes two rods joined by lateral domino connectors to enact powerful internal distraction or compression forces on the spine for achieving spinal deformity correction. Methods: This study was designed as a retrospective review and illustrative surgical technique report. The primary aim was to describe the construct-to-construct internal distraction and compression technique for scoliosis correction, with illustrative models and representative clinical cases. Results: Internal distraction using the construct-to-construct configuration is performed early in the surgery to take advantage of the viscoelastic properties of the spine as gradually increasing distraction forces are applied. The surgical technique for applying internal distraction and compression using the construct-to-construct configuration is discussed in detail. Conclusions: Construct-to-construct internal distraction and compression techniques are powerful methods to correct severe scoliosis curves, serially distract traditional growing rod constructs, and close three-column osteotomies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Scoliosis: Advances in Diagnosis and Management)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop