Assessment Technologies Institute®, LLC

Course Description:
To brace or not to brace, that is the question. Management of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) involves accurate prediction of curve progression to best reduce spinal curvature and associated health risks. This article will help nurses to gain fundamental knowledge regarding the natural history of scoliosis, apply the rationale behind treatment, and optimize compliance.

Objectives:

• Define criteria for diagnosis of spinal curvature.
• Recognize pathologic characteristics that differentiate AIS from congenital and neuromuscular forms of scoliosis.
• Apply findings of the clinical evaluation of the adolescent to the associated issues of AIS.
• Measure curve patterns based on patient history, scoliometer, physical assessment, and radiographic evidence.
• Review the tools used to predict skeletal maturity.
• Present the goals of brace wear.
• Review indications for treatment of spinal misalignment.
• Identify the long-term prognosis for those with AIS.

 Passing Requirement: A 75% passing score and completion of a course evaluation is required in order to receive a certificate of successful completion.

Provider Statements:

Assessment Technologies Institute^®, LLC (OH-257/7-1-10) is an approved provider of continuing nursing education by the Ohio Nurses Association (OBN-001-91), an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Assessment Technologies Institute^®, LLC is an approved provider of continuing education by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number CEP 14580-1-08 for 2.2* contact hours for this CE activity.

Disclosures:

Those involved with the development of the content of this educational activity disclose to participants that they receive no commercial support nor have significant financial interest or other relationship with manufacturers of any commercial product(s) and/or provider(s) of commercial services presented in this educational activity.

The information presented in this continuing education activity for nurses does not necessarily reflect the views of Assessment Technologies Institute. These materials may discuss therapeutic products that have not been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, off-label uses of approved products, and/or other complementary/alternative/therapeutic modalities. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product discussed. Readers should verify all information and data before implementing practices described in this educational activity.

*based on a 60-minute contact hour.