Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Children with Scoliosis

For many years, orthopaedic surgeons and radiologists have used plain-film radiography for diagnosis, treatment decision-making, and postsurgical evaluation of scoliosis. Recently, the direct visualization of the spinal canal and spinal cord became possible with the development of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which over a short period of time has become an indicated procedure in children with juvenile-onset idiopathic scoliosis and congenital scoliosis. Children with idiopathic scoliosis associated with neurologic findings on physical examination, with pain or rapid progression of the spine curvature are also being evaluated with MRI, especially if surgery for stabilization of the spine is planned. The use of MRI as a screening modality for all children with scoliosis is still controversial and further studies are needed to evaluate if the examination adds or changes the treatment of these patients.