Estimating the effectiveness of screening for scoliosis: a case-control study.

Objective: The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that screening for scoliosis is effective in reducing the need for surgical treatment.

Methods: The study was a case-control study. A total of 125 consecutive patients who were treated surgically for idiopathic scoliosis between January 2001 and October 2004 and who were born on or after January 1, 1984, were invited; 108 agreed to participate.