SPINAL DEFORMITY

Spinal deformity in children has a wide range of causes. The most comm on entities are idiopathic scoliosis, postural roundback, and Scheuerm ann's kyphosis. The pediatrician, primary care physician, and orthoped ic surgeon can optimally treat these disorders with close observation, attention to detail, initiation of bracing when indicated, and surger y on patients who have an appropriate indication. A careful, well-plan ned approach to these conditions results in the successful treatment o f spinal deformities with minimal complications. The physiologic and p sychological sequelae of these entities can then be minimized, preserv ing the overall health of the child.