Scoliosis
ICD-10 M41 · ICD-11 FA70.1

Idiopathic Scoliosis in Adolescents (Ages 10–17) with Cobb Angle 10–20° and Risser Sign 0–3

This protocol addresses idiopathic scoliosis in growing adolescents — a period of heightened risk for curve progression — where early conservative intervention can influence long-term outcomes.

Clinical Scenario
  • Age: 10 to 17 years
  • Diagnosis: Idiopathic scoliosis
  • Cobb angle: 10 to 20 degrees
  • Skeletal maturity (Risser sign): 0 to 3
Management Approach
Conservative management at this curve magnitude involves a bracing strategy — either a soft brace or a night-time approach — combined with physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises. The complete selection criteria, brace type, exercise programme, and monitoring schedule are in the full protocol.
Treatment Goal
Maintain the spinal Cobb angle below 25 degrees, with curve stabilisation or improvement through the period of skeletal growth.
Instant Access to Structured Evidence-Based Regimens

References

DOI: 10.1186/s13013-017-0145-8

  1. It is recommended not to apply bracing to treat patients with curves below 15° ± 5° Cobb, unless otherwise justified in the opinion of a clinician specialized in conservative treatment of spinal deformities.
  2. Under 10° of scoliosis, the diagnosis of scoliosis should not be made.
  3. Soft Bracing (SB): it includes mainly the SpineCor brace but also other similar designs.
  4. Night Time Rigid Bracing (8–12 h per day) (NTRB): wearing a brace mainly in bed.
  5. It is recommended that physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises are performed during brace treatment.
  6. According to SOSORT, the use of a rigid brace implies the use of exercises when out of the brace.
  7. Current evidence suggests that conservative treatment for scoliosis is effective at stopping curve from progression, as well as improving the curves at skeletal maturity.
  8. To stop curve progression at puberty (or possibly even reduce it).
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