School screening for scoliosis is a well accepted technique for the
early detection of spinal deformities. We reviewed the experience in
Minnesota over the past eight years, with an average of one-quarter of a
million children being screened yearly. Of the children screened, 3.4 per
cent were referred for evaluation and scoliosis was found in 1.2 per cent.
The number of children requiring operations for adolescent idiopathic
scoliosis has diminished since 1970. The average curve for which a surgical
procedure was done has also diminished from 60 to 42 degrees. The cost of
the program is low, averaging 6.6 cents per student screened. This compares
with a so-called time cost averaging thirty-five cents. Voluntary scoliosis
screening in Minnesota is an efficient and cost-effective program.