A 13-year-old is premenarchal with substantial growth remaining and a 22-degree thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis curve. She has no pain or

Question

A 13-year-old is premenarchal with substantial growth remaining and a 22-degree thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis curve. She has no pain or neurologic findings. What is the best management?

Accepted Answer

Arrange scoliosis follow-up and discuss bracing if progression risk is high

Answer

Refer for spinal fusion because the curve exceeds 20 degrees

Answer

Discharge permanently because the curve is below the surgical range

Answer

Start opioid treatment for chronic back-pain prevention

Answer

Order brain MRI before outpatient monitoring of an uncomplicated curve

Adolescent scoliosis — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

A 13-year-old is premenarchal with substantial growth remaining and a 22-degree thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis curve. She has no pain or neurologic findings. What is the best management?