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Orthopaedic Surgery
Making the Diagnosis
ScoliScore™Predicts Risk of Severe Scoliosis
ScoliScore, a groundbreaking molecular test that helps predict the risk of spinal curve progression, uses a DNA sample from the patient's saliva. Within about two weeks, a report is sent to the physician with a score indicating the child's likelihood of having scoliosis that will progress. The scores are grouped into low, moderate, and severe categories.
The ScoliScore test is intended for patients:
- With a primary diagnosis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), the most common type of scoliosis
- Over the age of 9 who are deemed "skeletally immature"
- With a mild scoliotic curve (defined as <25°), or
- With a moderate scoliotic curve (defined as >25°, but less than 40°)
If the test shows a patient has a high risk for serious spinal curvature of 50 degrees or more, Dr. Vitale and his colleagues can intervene earlier than they would otherwise, such as by prescribing a back brace. And since less than 10 percent of teens with scoliosis progress to the point where spinal fusion surgery is necessary, the new test can also prevent unnecessary testing. Radiation exposure from diagnostic X-rays is associated with increased risk of problems with bone and breast tissue (girls are more likely than boys to have scoliosis).
An estimated 4 percent of children between the ages of 10 and 16 have AIS, making up 80 percent of all scoliosis cases. The ScoliScore provides doctors with information about the likelihood that an abnormal spine curve will get significantly worse or stay the same, which allows for earlier intervention and helps guide treatment.
ScoliScore is now available to a wider age range of children. Previous indications stated that to be eligible for the test, a patient must be between the ages of nine and 13. New indications now state that there is no age limit to receive the ScoliScore as long as the physician deems the patient "skeletally immature." This new regulation allows children over the age of 13 who meet the inclusion criteria to benefit from this breakthrough testing.
ScoliScore feedback from patients and their parents has been extremely positive.
