Scoliosis

Clinical Pathways promote evidence-based, safe, and high-value patient care by providing clinical recommendations and standard processes. They are developed by multidisciplinary committees of subject matter experts, informed by a methodical review of available evidence and consensus among committee members. 

• If seeking the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Pathway for idiopathic spinal fusion, please refer to the Spinal Fusion: Idiopathic ERAS 
• If seeking the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Pathway for neuromuscular spinal fusion, please refer to the Spinal Fusion: Neuromuscular ERAS 

 Clinical Pathway: 

• Scoliosis Algorithm 
• Scoliosis Synopsis (provides care standards employed for this clinical pathway) 

 Inclusion criteria: 

• Inclusion: 
  • Patients with signs of suspected scoliosis (e.g., visible body asymmetry, clothes hanging unevenly, rib prominence on one side, leaning posture, history of back pain or fatigue) 

Committee members involved in the development: 

• Aaron Shaw, DO, FAAOS | Orthopedic Surgery | Committee Chair  
• John Anderson, MD | Orthopedic Surgery | Committee Member  
• Michael Benvenuti, MD | Orthopedic Surgery | Committee Member  
• James Weihe, MD, FAAP | Orthopedic Surgery | Committee Member  
• Denise Brewster, DNP, RN, CPNP | Orthopedic Surgery | Committee Member  
• Katie Carpenter, MSN, RN, CPNP-PC | Orthopedic Surgery | Committee Member  
• Ryan Northup, MD | General Academic Pediatrics | Committee Member  
• Sarah Dierking, MSN, RN, CPHQ | Clinical Practice and Quality | Committee Member  

EBP Committee Members: 

• Todd Glenski, MD, MSHA, FASA | Anesthesiology, Evidence Based Practice  
• Kelli Ott, OTD, OTR/L | Evidence Based Practice  

Publication dates: 

• Finalized date: 04/2026 
• Next expected revision date: 04/2029 

Concerns with content: 

If you have any questions regarding this content or identify a broken link, please email evidencebasedpractice@cmh.edu.  

These pathways do not establish a standard of care to be followed in every case. It is recognized that each case is different, and those individuals involved in providing health care are expected to use their judgment in determining what is in the best interests of the patient based on the circumstances existing at the time. It is impossible to anticipate all possible situations that may exist and to prepare a pathway for each. Accordingly, these pathways should guide care with the understanding that departures from them may be required at times.