Idiopathic Scoliosis

Idiopathic Scoliosis breaks down the medical complexity of the condition into a clear, lifelong roadmap, combining world-class clinical expertise with lived experiences to empower all those involved from diagnosis to adulthood.

Whether you are an individual navigating your own care, a parent or family member supporting a loved one, or a healthcare professional looking for a broader perspective, this practical guide offers the expert-backed clarity needed to manage spina bifida with confidence.

It is a companion book to Scoliosis: Congenital, Neuromuscular, Syndromic and other Nonidiopathic Types, which addresses scoliosis where the cause is known.

“An infinitely readable and well-researched book not only for patients and their families but also for health care providers at all levels.”

—BENJAMIN D. ROYE, MD-MPH

“Our daughter was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic scoliosis right before she started kindergarten, and we were so worried. We wish we had this book during that time as it answers so many questions.”

—AMBER MARLATT, PARENT

“As up-to-date and inclusive as a textbook written for medical professionals while being as easily readable as a novel for children with scoliosis and their families. An indispensable source of comfort for all scoliosis patients.”

—MUHARREM YAZICI, MD

Key features:

• Clinical excellence: Delivers detailed medical insights and best-practice evidence-based treatment options.
• Holistic perspective: Explores how spina bifida impacts development, participation, and overall quality of life.
• Lifelong focus: Provides tailored guidance that evolves alongside the needs of children, adolescents, and adults.
• Empowered outcomes: Equips families with the tools and confidence to partner effectively with healthcare teams for optimal long-term health.

The Gillette Children’s Healthcare Series distills medical complexity into clear, actionable roadmaps for childhood-acquired physical and neurological conditions. By bridging the gap between clinical research and daily reality, this definitive collection provides a vital guide for those living with a lifelong condition.

Whether you are an individual navigating your own health journey, a parent or family member supporting a loved one, or a healthcare professional seeking a broader multidisciplinary perspective, this series provides the expert-backed clarity needed to manage the condition with confidence.

Co-published by Mac Keith Press and Gillette Children’s Healthcare Press, the series is built on a foundation of collaborative expertise. Every book combines evidence-based, best-practice treatments led by medical specialists with the invaluable lived experiences of individuals and families.

You can now purchase the complete Gillette Children’s Healthcare Series bundle at a 30% discount via this link.

Other titles in the series include:

• Craniosynostosis
• Spastic Hemiplegia–Unilateral Cerebral Palsy
• Spastic Quadriplegia–Bilateral Cerebral Palsy
• Spastic Diplegia–Bilateral Cerebral Palsy, second edition
• Epilepsy
• Spina Bifida
• Osteogenesis Imperfecta
• Scoliosis: Congenital, Neuromuscular, Syndromic, and Other Causes

Authors and Editors

Series Foreword

Series Introduction

1. Scoliosis

1.1.        Introduction

1.2.        Understanding the spine

1.3.     Atypical spine curvatures

1.4.        Classification of scoliosis

1.5.        Diagnosis of scoliosis

Key points Chapter 1

2. Idiopathic scoliosis

2.1.        Introduction

2.2.        Classification and related Information

2.3.        Idiopathic scoliosis: Age of diagnosis

2.4.        Overview of treatment

Key points Chapter 2

3. Nonsurgical treatment

3.1.        Introduction

3.2.        Observation

3.3.     Bracing

                With Kristin Smith

3.4.     Casting

3.5.        Physical therapy

With Michelle Engberg

3.6.        Alternative and complementary treatments

Key points Chapter 3

4             Scoliosis surgery

4.1.        Introduction

4.2.        Preparing for surgery

4.3.        Spinal fusion

4.4.        Growth-friendly treatment

4.5.        Vertebral body tethering

4.6.        Recovery after surgery

4.7.        Halo gravity traction

Key points Chapter 4

5. The adult with idiopathic scoliosis

5.1.        Introduction

5.2.        Transition to adult care

With Tori Bahr

5.3.        Adulthood with idiopathic scoliosis

With Joseph Perra

Key points Chapter 5

6. Living with idiopathic scoliosis

7. Further reading and research

With Elizabeth R. Boyer

Acknowledgments

Appendices (online only)

Appendix 1.       Kyphosis and lordosis

Appendix 2.       “Other” scoliosis

Glossary

References

Index