Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Patient Cases

AIS: Patient Doing Great and Still Flexible 19 Years after Surgery
As a 15-year-old in 1985, this patient was diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). She had a 54º curve in her thoracic spine and a 38º curve in her lumbar spine.   Read more
Additional Patient Cases for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
What is Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis?
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common form of scoliosis. It helps to break the name into its three sections:
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Non-surgical Treatments for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
  • For small curves (15º-20º): Observation over time to see if the curve gets worse
  • For bigger curves (20º-40º): Bracing to try to stop the curve from getting worse
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When Spine Surgery for AIS is Necessary
  • If the curve is bigger than 40º or 45º
Please note: Spine surgery for AIS is an effective method to correct the curve and avoid greater deformity.
How Dr. Bridwell Treats AIS

AIS Thoracic Curve

Posterior Spinal Fusion with Instrumentation: Dr. Bridwell will perform the surgery from the back of the spine; that’s called a posterior approach.

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