[Studies on the development and therapy of scoliosis]

Inadequately treated cases of scoliosis with deterioration were studied. Biomechanics and pathology are discussed. It has been observed that permanent lateral deviation of the vertebral column continues irreversibly if not treated in time. A study of the evolution of scoliosis in relation to vertebral growth is reported. It is followed by a description of therapeutic management based on fundamental factors: --aetiology, the severity of the deformity, bone age and potential deterioration. A series of cases treated conservatively and by surgical fixation is illustrated.