How is scoliosis diagnosed?

Diagnosing scoliosis involves a thorough assessment of the patient and analysis of some specific test results. The first step involves taking a thorough medical history to ensure we have the details required before starting the physical examination. History can provide us with some vital information towards guiding a diagnosis.

After that we start the physical assessment of the patient. This includes a variety of observations and measurements, including posture and movements, as well as conducting some very important standardised tests of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems.

The final part of the assessment will involve analysis of X-rays and, where required, other radiological scans. Together with the history and assessments the radiological information and measurements can give us vital information to finalise a scoliosis diagnosis and classification. When patients have not yet had any X-rays or other scans, we can provide recommendations if necessary.