Scoliosis ScreeningTopic OverviewA doctor may test a young person for scoliosis during a routine physical exam. In schools, screening may be provided annually for students between the ages of 10 and 14 (grades 5 through 9). The exam takes about 30 seconds and may be done by a school nurse or physical education teacher.
Some states require screening for scoliosis by law. But health experts don't agree with whether or not to screen for scoliosis. footnote 1, footnote 2 Screening can lead to early treatment and may prevent curves from getting worse, but screening can also lead to more testing or treatment for children who would not have needed it. Some experts believe that children should be screened for scoliosis regularly throughout their preteen and teen years. If you are concerned about screening for scoliosis, talk to your child's doctor. For more information, see the topic Scoliosis. Related InformationReferences
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ByHealthwise Staff Current as ofMarch 21, 2017
Current as of: March 21, 2017 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (2004). Screening for Idiopathic Scoliosis in Adolescents: Recommendation Statement. Available online: http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/uspsaisc.htm.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (1984, updated 2015). AAOS/SRS/POSNA/AAP position statement: Screening for early detection of idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents. http://www.aaos.org/uploadedFiles/PreProduction/About/Opinion_Statements/position/1122%20Screening%20for%20the%20Early%20Detection%20of%20Idiopathic%20Scoliosis%20in%20Adolescents(1).pdf. Accessed January 29, 2016.
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