Classification of Early-Onset Scoliosis

Early-onset scoliosis has traditionally been described based upon well-defined age parameters or etiologic variables. These classic descriptions have provided negligible prognostic information and have done little to guide treatment. More recently, emphasis has been placed on developing a more comprehensive classification system that can help physicians with difficult treatment decisions in this very heterogeneous group of patients. To this end, the C-EOS (classification of early-onset scoliosis) has been developed and later validated to enhance communication between clinicians and ultimately lead to better patient outcomes.