Spinal Deformity Characteristics Associated With Intraspinal Anomalies in a Population of Presumed Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS)

The presence of an intraspinal anomaly occurred in 33 patients (7.7%) of this presumed AIS cohort, but only 8 patients (24%) required neurosurgical intervention (1.9% of the total cohort). Only a left thoracic apex was associated with the need for neurosurgical intervention. However, all patients requiring neurosurgical intervention presented with concomitant neurological symptoms. Selective MRI screening protocols incorporating patient sex, radiographic criteria, and neurological indicators may prove sufficient in contrast to universal MRI screening in children with presumed AIS undergoing PSF while minimizing health care expenditures.