Table 1.

Structure of the questionnaire. AIS: adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. In the rows have been listed: situation (the hypothetical situation in which the responders had to imagine to be before giving their answer), alternatives (hypothetical possibilities in the given situation), decision-making tools (information given to responders to be able to answer), question – which strategy ? (possible choices for the answer).

Situation	Alternatives	Decision-making tools	Question Which strategy?
AIS with a 25% risk of progression; consequence if it progresses: bracing until growth is complete	• Do nothing, periodic check-ups Specific physical exercises until growth is complete, in an attempt to prevent progression	• scientific evidence (no proof for or against physical exercises as means of preventing progression) • advantages and disadvantages of each alternative	• Physical exercises until growth is complete, in an attempt to prevent/delay bracing • Periodic check-ups, bracing only if scoliosis progresses
AIS with a 60% risk of progression; consequence if it progresses: surgical correction	• Do nothing, periodic check-ups • Bracing until growth is complete	• scientific evidence (proof of the efficacy of bracing, but not in all cases) • advantages and disadvantages of each alternative	• Immediate bracing, in order to avoid surgical correction • Periodic check-ups, bracing only if scoliosis progresses • No bracing at all, periodic check-ups, surgical correction if scoliosis progresses
School screening for AIS	• not to screen • to screen	• Scientific evidence (absence of consensus): pros and cons	• not to screen • to screen