Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 30, 2026
Clinical Efficacy of an Innovative Multidimensional Traction Therapy in Moderate Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Published on: February 10, 2026
Classification systems for adolescent and adult scoliosis
Justin S Smith1, Christopher I Shaffrey, Charles Kuntz
1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
Objective:
To review current classification systems for adolescent and adult scoliosis.
Methods:
The literature was reviewed in reference to scoliosis classification systems for adolescent and adult scoliosis.
Results:
There are multiple classification systems for scoliosis. Classification of scoliosis is dependent on patient age, spinal abnormality, scoliotic curve, and global spinal alignment. To date, classification systems have focused predominantly on adolescent idiopathic scoliosis or adult/degenerative scoliosis; a single classification system evaluating scoliotic deformities of different ages and spinal abnormalities has not been identified.
Conclusion:
The importance of scoliosis classification schemes lies in their ability to standardize communication among health care providers. With regard to the classification of adolescent scoliosis, the Lenke system has addressed many of the significant limitations of the King system and is now the standard classification scheme. Classification schemes for adult scoliosis have been reported only recently, and each offers specific advantages (the simple pathogenesis-based system of Aebi, the strong clinical relevance of the Schwab system, and the richly descriptive Scoliosis Research Society system). This article highlights the salient features of currently used scoliosis classification systems.
More Related Videos
07:01Clinical Efficacy of Ultrasound-Assisted Scoliosis-Specific Exercise in Mild-Grade Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Published on: December 2, 2025
08:08Cell-based Assay Protocol for the Prognostic Prediction of Idiopathic Scoliosis Using Cellular Dielectric Spectroscopy
Published on: October 16, 2013
Related Concept Videos
01:16Vertebral Column: Regions and Curvature
Regions of the Vertebral Column
In an adult, the spine is subdivided into five regions: the cervical, the thoracic, the lumbar, the sacral, and the coccygeal region. The spine initially develops as a series of 33 vertebrae; after 20 years of age, the nine bones in the sacral region, five sacral, and four coccygeal bones fuse to form the...
01:20Introduction to the Skeletal System
Components of the Skeletal System
Bone, or osseous tissue, is a hard connective tissue that forms an internal support structure for the human body. Bones shield vulnerable organs and soft tissue from external forces. For example, the vertebral bones protect and support the spinal cord.
Cartilage, a semi-rigid connective tissue found in regions such as...
01:09Overview of the Axial Skeleton
The axial skeleton of the adult...
01:18Classification of Bones
Long and Short Bones
The appendicular skeleton, particularly the upper and lower limbs, is primarily made of long and short bones. The long...
01:26Classification of Systems-I
Homogeneity dictates that if an input x(t) is multiplied by a constant c, the output y(t) is multiplied by the same constant. Mathematically, this is expressed as:
01:09Functional Classification of Joints
The functional classification of joints is determined by the amount of mobility between the adjacent bones. Joints are functionally classified as a synarthrosis or immobile joint, an amphiarthrosis or slightly moveable joint, or as a diarthrosis, a freely moveable joint. Fibrous and cartilaginous joints can be functionally classified as either synarthroses or amphiarthroses, whereas all synovial joints are classified as diarthroses.
Synarthrosis
An immobile...