Classifications of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis in Relation to Physiotherapy

Abstract

Idiopathic scoliosis is a complex abnormal lateral curvature of the spine more than 10°, with no evidence of underlying physical or radiographic pathology. A normally aligned spine is stable platform for performing static and dynamic activities of life with appropriate recruitment of spinal muscles. Stability and alignment of vertebrae in spatial planes will influence selection of biomechanical strategies for functional movements and activities of daily living. There are different classifications and schools of scoliosis specific physiotherapy like Side shift, Dobomed and BSPTS, SEAS. There is a need to understand different classifications used in different approaches. This review article is intended to provide overview of different classification systems to physiotherapists so that they can integrate with the views of surgeon in relation to spinal surgery, interact and work with orthotists in brace design and to plan corrective program for prevention of further progression or maintenance or correction of scoliosis.