Scoliosis in Children

Assessment in secondary care is advised for any child with a suspected scoliosis who is still growing.

Clinical signs suggestive of scoliosis include:

• Asymmetry in shoulder height, arm-flank distance or flank creases.
• Prominence of the ribs on one side when touching the toes is often the most apparent sign (Adam’s forward bend test).

Urgent Referral

Urgent referral is advised:

• Prompt referral is advised in children under 11 due to the risk of progression.
• Those with neurological symptoms /signs or non-mechanical or night pain that interrupts sleep should be referred urgently.

Routine Referral

Children with suspected scoliosis should otherwise be referred on a routine basis via NHS E-referral.

Imaging prior to the appointment is not necessary.