Validation of DNA-based prognostic testing to predict spinal curve progression in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Study Design: Validation of a prognostic DNA marker panel.

Objective: The goals of this study were to develop and test the negative predictive value of a prognostic DNA test for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and to establish clinically meaningful endpoints for the test.

Summary Of Background Data: Clinical features do not adequately predict which children diagnosed with minimal or mild AIS will have the progressive form of the disease; genetic markers associated with curve progression might offer clinically useful prognostic insights.