[Classification of the growth potential and consecutive treatment consequences for spinal deformities : When does what make sense?].

BACKGROUND: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is a three-dimensional spinal deformity with a curvature in the frontal plane (Cobb angle) of more than 10° without known underlying causes. During the phase of rapid growth, scoliosis deterioration is likely with an increase in the Cobb angle as well as deterioration of the rotational component. Accordingly, knowledge of the different stages of human growth is crucial for the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

CLASSIFICATION: There are a variety of classification systems helping to estimate the growth potential. In the following, on the one hand, the most common classification systems with regard to their availability, learning curve as well as accuracy with respect to the application in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis will be considered in more detail. On the other hand, based on the measured Cobb angles and the expected growth potential, a treatment algorithm for the management of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis will be presented.