USPSTF: Not Enough Evidence to Recommend Routine Scoliosis Screening

By Amy Orciari Herman

Edited by David G. Fairchild, MD, MPH, and Lorenzo Di Francesco, MD, FACP, FHM

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now says there's not enough evidence to weigh the benefits and harms of screening for idiopathic scoliosis in asymptomatic youth ages 10 to 18 years (so-called "I statement"). This draft statement, if finalized, would loosen the group's 2004 guidance, which decisively recommended against such screening.

The task force says it found adequate evidence that screening can accurately detect idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents. However, there was no direct evidence on screening's effects on patient-centered health outcomes, and evidence on the effects of treatment with exercise or surgery was considered inadequate. Additionally, although some evidence suggested bracing could decrease spine curvature, evidence was lacking on whether curvature reductions in adolescence improved health outcomes in adulthood.

There was no evidence on the harms of screening, and only inadequate evidence on the harms of treatment.

The statement is open for public comment until June 26, 2017.