Epidemiological Studies of Scoliosis-related Endophenotypes

Recent studies by our group have demonstrated the utility of bracing on progression of spinal curvature in individuals with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). This led to our investigation into the possible impact of other factors contributing to the severity of an individual’s scoliosis. We have now obtained detailed information form AIS patients on several sets of traits believed to track with AIS (Ghent systemic feature score, Beighton hypermobility score, height, sex, age at diagnosis). We are investigating the prognostic and diagnostic ability of these factors for AIS.