Here's some interesting news, just announced today: a new genetic test could help doctors treat newly diagnosed scoliosis patients.
The DNA test, called ScoliScore, tells doctors how likely it is that a patient's condition will worsen. It compares DNA from the patient's saliva with genetic markers that have been linked to scoliosis progression. The more genetic makers, the more likely a patient's spine curvature will increase. The test claims this information can help doctors tailor a patient's treatment on a case by case basis.
The test is designed for children ages 9 to 13 who have been diagnosed with mild adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Here's a link to the press release announcing that ScoliScore is now available to spine specialists:
http://www.axialbiotech.com/company/find/press/2009/16
And here's some FAQs about the test:
http://www.axialbiotech.com/files/faq.pdf
Just thought it was an interesting development the community might be interested in!