The Radiological and Clinical Assessment of a Cohort of AIS Patients in Serbia and Bulgaria

ABSTRACT: Previous studies have established that there is no definitive correlation for all curve types between the progression of a scoliosis and changes in body asymmetry but for many patients the motivation in seeking treatment is the improvement of their appearance rather than to correct an underlying skeletal deformity. Cosmetic concerns, quality of life and the psychosocial impacts of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis remain important factors in any clinical decision-making process. In conjunction with conventional radiologically derived measures, the addition of validated body asymmetry metrics should be included when designing patient specific treatment plans and assessing outcomes. Consolidating radiological diagnoses (Cobb angle, curve type) and clinical assessment data from groups of patients has additional value in the longitudinal assessment of the relative efficacy of differing clinical interventions within physical medicine.