American Academy of Orthotists & Prosthetists

Idiopathic scoliosis and Scheuermann’s kyphosis are spinal curvature disorders effecting both children and adolescents where the use of an orthosis has been shown to successfully prevent progression of curvatures in those who would otherwise worsen if left untreated. Because of this, Orthotists are frequently referred patients requiring a custom orthosis to treat these relatively common disorders. In recognition of the wide variety of clinical presentations, and the significant psychosocial and clinical team challenges that can accompany the orthotic treatment of these disorders, the Academy convened a consensus conference in February, 2002 to critically analyze the peer-reviewed literature on the subject and to provide guidance on how best to serve this patient population.

Referencing the findings of this conference which published as a supplement to the Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics (JPO) in October, 2003, this on-line course module was developed by the Georgia Institute of Technology’s Orthotic and Prosthetic Program (www.ap.gatech.edu/mspo/index.htm). Funded by a grant from the Academy’s Project Quantum Leap, this online study and exam is intended to provide a summary of the JPO publication. On-line users of this educational offering are strongly encouraged to review the JPO supplement in conjunction with this educational offering from the Academy.

This course provides the user an overview of the etiology and natural history of idiopathic scoliosis and Scheuermann’s kyphosis, the biomechanics of various orthotic designs in the treatment of these disorders, the current thinking on the efficacy of orthotic treatment, and an overview of the multidisciplinary approach to orthotic treatment. Any orthotist or health care professional involved in the non-operative treatment of either of these disorders can benefit from this work. Orthotists certified by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics, Inc (ABC) will immediately earn 16 professional continuing education credits (PCE’s) upon successful completion of the on-line examination.

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