Changing a "progressive" factor into a "corrective" factor: the effect of intervertebral disc modulation in treatment of idiopathic scoliosis

Background The rationale for management of scoliosis during skeletal growth assumes a biomechanical mode of deformity progression, based on the Hueter-Volkmann principle, whereby extra axial compression decelerates growth and reduced axial compression accelerates it. Wedging of the intervertebral disc (IVD) is known to contribute to the progression of idiopathic scoliotic (IS) curves. This report illustrates the effect of IVD modulation and its subsequent benefits in IS treatment. The proposed model is examined on conservative treatment (fulland night-time braces and exercises) and fusionless IS surgery with staples.