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Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
The Adolescent Spine
Paolo Simoni1, Giulia Negro1, Marine Moeremans1
1Department of Pediatric Imaging, Reine Fabiola Children's University Hospital, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.
Abstract:
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most characteristic disorder of the adolescent spine. It is a three-dimensional (3D) disorder that occurs from 10 years of age and comprises 90% of all idiopathic scolioses. Imaging plays a central role in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with AIS. Modern imaging offers 3D assessment of scoliosis with less radiation exposure. Imaging helps rule out occult conditions that cause spinal deformity. Various imaging methods are also used to assess skeletal maturity in patients with AIS, thus determining the growth spurt and risk of progression of scoliosis. This article provides a brief overview of the pathophysiology, biomechanics, clinical features, and modern imaging of AIS relevant to radiologists in clinical settings.
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