Total spine and posterior fossa MRI screening in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (177 cases)

MRI screening for idiopathic scoliosis is controversial. Considering our clinical experiences, the results of MRI in all patients with idiopathic scoliosis were evaluated. In a prospective clinical study, all neurologically normal patients with idiopathic scoliosis screened by posterior fossa and total spine MRI. After excluding 9 patients for mild neurological findings, in other 177 patients (132 female, 45 male), the average age and curve angle was 15±2 years and 59±17º (30 to 135º), respectively. Convexity was to right in 146 and to left in 31 cases. MRI was positive in 12 cases (6.8%). In 5 cases (2.8%), neurosurgical intervention was necessary prior to scoliosis surgery. There was no relation between age, sex, presence of pain or curve angle and positive MRI findings (P>0.05). Left convexity was significantly related to positive MRI findings (P=0.013). In males with left convex curves, the probability of positive MRI findings was 8.8 folds other patients. Considering our results and other reported articles, it seems that routine MRI screening of all patients presenting as idiopathic scoliosis is necessary for detection of underlying pathologies.