Postural Screening for Scoliosis

After the 1996 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force review of studies and report about scoliosis screening programs, many schools stopped conducting scoliosis screenings in schools. The review concluded that there was insufficient evidence to recommend for or against screening for asymptomatic adolescents.

Postural screening is recommended as part of the well-child checkups during adolescent years in which children are experiencing puberty. Health Care Providers should perform a complete well-child exam per the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Child and Teen Checkup program supports providers in completing all components of a well-child exam.

Some schools may continue to conduct postural screenings for scoliosis, however, there is still no clear evidence at this point to support an MDH statewide recommendation. Workload and the competing needs of school nursing should be considered when determining if a school will conduct scoliosis screenings. If schools choose to provide this screening program, it is imperative that the school nurse is properly trained in how to perform a postural screening.

2018 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Screening