The True Cost of Late Presentation in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A 5-Year Follow-up Study.

Background: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most prevalent pediatric spinal condition. During growth, moderate scoliosis is treated with a brace to minimize the risk of progression to the surgical range. However, a minority of patients meet brace indications, with a greater number presenting late, already appropriate for surgery.