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. 2004;3(3):96–103. doi: 10.1016/S0899-3467(07)60093-7

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Treatment Using Pettibon Corrective Procedures: A Case Report

Mark W Morningstar a,*, Megan N Strauchman b, Greg Gilmour c
PMCID: PMC2647005  PMID: 19674630

Abstract

Objective

To investigate the possible benefits of using Pettibon corrective procedures to reduce the curvature associated with idiopathic scoliosis. These procedures were tested to determine potential effectiveness in a single patient.

Clinical Features

A patient with a 35° left convex thoracolumbar scoliosis was treated using Pettibon corrective procedures. Initial and follow-up outcome measures included a Borg pain scale, a Functional Rating Index, a balance test, and radiographic analysis.

Intervention and Outcome

The patient was treated using a combination of manipulative and rehabilitative procedures designed to restore normal sagittal curves and reduce the severity of the coronal curvatures. After six weeks of treatment, the post treatment radiograph revealed a 20° left convex thoracolumbar scoliosis, as well as decreases in the Borg pain scale from six to two, and Functional Rating Index score from 18/40 to 7/40 after the trial period. Her balance time increased from 18 seconds to 56 seconds.

Conclusion

Pettibon corrective procedures seemed to be effective at reducing the thoracolumbar scoliosis 15° (43%) after six weeks. The subjective and objective results of this case study warrant further such investigations.

Key Words: Spine, Posture, Rehabilitation, Scoliosis, Chiropractic

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