Much of the history and physical examination is focused on
identifying nonidiopathic and often more ominous causes of scoliosis (Table 1). Young age at onset (younger than 10 years of age), rapid curve progression and the presence of
neurological symptoms are the most useful findings in identifying nonidiopathic scoliosis (1). Fortunately, most frontline physicians will only encounter idiopathic scoliosis during their careers. Perhaps the most important task for the physician however, is to identify underlying causes that may require intervention