Surgical Level Selection in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: An Evidence-Based Approach.

J Am Acad Orthop Surg · Apr 15 2023 · Review

Mistovich RJ, Blumenschein LA, Glotzbecker MP

From the Division of Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Unıversity Hospitals…

Spine Pediatric Orthopaedics

SUMMARY — THE REDUCTIONSurgical level selection in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis balances minimizing progression risk and optimizing spinal balance while fusing the fewest necessary levels.
Abstract, as published

The selection of fusion levels in the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis remains complex. The goals of surgery are to minimize the risk of future progression and optimize spinal balance while fusing the least number of levels necessary. Several classifications, rules, and algorithms exist to guide decision making, although these have previously not been easily referenced in a study. This review aims to provide an evidence-based approach of selecting fusion levels that balances the expert opinion of the authors with the current literature.

Featured in the 2026-07-22 issue.

← Operative Results and Postoperative Progression of Ossificati…Revisiting Survival in the Treatment of Spinal Metastases Fro… →

The Reduction is a free email digest of newly published orthopaedic literature — a handful of new papers in the subspecialties you choose, each summarized like this one. Subscribe free or browse the archive.