In patients with juvenile idiopathic scoliosis and back pain, preoperative MRI should be performed to eliminate the risk of postoperative neurologic deficits, even if the scoliosis is Lenke type 1. However, in patients with Lenke type 1 idiopathic scoliosis, preoperative MRI studies seem unnecessary if intraoperative neural monitoring is to be performed.

Last two decades witnessed great advances in the surgical treatment of idiopathic scoliosis. However, the number of studies evaluating the long-term results of these treatment methods is relatively low.