Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis – to operate or not? A debate article

• Main Authors: Goodall Deborah, Patel Vikas, Wong Man, Bess Shay, Weiss Hans-Rudolf, Burger Evalina
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2008-09-01
• Series: Patient Safety in Surgery
• Online Access: http://www.pssjournal.com/content/2/1/25

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) represents a rare condition with a potentially detrimental impact on young patients. Despite vast clinical research and published treatment guidelines and algorithms, the optimal therapeutic choice for these patients remains highly controversial. While advocates of early surgery emphasize the benefits of surgical deformity correction with regard to physical and psychological outcome, the opponents base their arguments on the high risk of complications and a lack of documented subjective long-term outcome. In the present paper, the authors were invited to debate the opposite positions of "pro" versus "contra" surgical treatment of AIS, based on the currently available evidence and published guidelines.</p>