MDH Recommendations on Scoliosis School Screening

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MDH recommends selective screening in schools according to the following guidelines:

  • Girls are to be screened in the fall of 5th grade AND spring of 6th grade. 
  • Screening is no longer recommended for boys.
  • The preferred screening method is the scoliometer, used according to instructions.
  • Children screened with an angle of trunk rotation (ATR) greater than or equal to 6 degrees are to be referred to their primary care provider. 
  • No watch list is recommended for children with an ATR less than 6 degrees. 

MDH will continue to provide consultation and technical assistance for development of scoliosis materials and keep the MDH website up-to-date on school-based scoliosis screening recommendations.

Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare and Shriners Hospitals for Children will continue to lead scoliosis screening seminars and education.  Dates of upcoming trainings will be posted on the Training and Education page on this website as available.

Table: Changes to Recommendation

MDH Scoliosis School Screening Recommendations Revisions

 

2008 Recommendations

2003 Recommendations

Periodicity

Girls in fall of 5th grade and spring of 6th grade

Not recommended for boys

Girls in 5th and 8th grades

Boys in 8th or 9th grade

Instrument

Scoliometer, used according to instructions

Adam’s Forward Bending Test with scoliometer

Referral

At 6 degrees ATR* or greater

To primary care provider

No watch list

7 degrees ATR* or greater, lordosis or kyphosis

To primary care provider

Watch list for 5-6 degrees ATR*
Rescreened within 3 months

*ATR is the angle of trunk rotation as measured by the scoliometer