Abstract

Background: Adult scoliosis is associated with pain, disability, and reduced quality of life. Conservative management strategies such as physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises (PSSE), manual therapy, and traction are often explored, but evidence for their use remains limited.

Case Presentation: A 22-year-old female with mild structural scoliosis presented with pain, postural imbalance, and functional limitations. Baseline assessment included plain radiographs (X-Ray: thoracic Cobb: 21.7°; lumbar Cobb: 12.5°) and 3D LiDAR surface topography (LiDAR: thoracic Cobb: 24.2°; lumbar Cobb: 10.7°).

Intervention: A 16-week multimodal programme combining manual therapy, CBP-based traction, and Schroth-based PSSE was implemented, with weekly clinic sessions and a daily home-based programme.

Results: A follow-up LiDAR scan taken at end of Week 16 demonstrated apparent reductions thoracic Cobb angle (24.2° to 1.9°) and lumbar Cobb angle (10.7° to 1.3°), with improvements in sagittal and coronal balance, and shoulder obliquity. The patient reported reduced pain, improved confidence and increased functional capacity.

Conclusion: In this case, multimodal conservative care was associated with apparent curve reduction and postural improvement. Given the reliance on 3D LiDAR scans for follow-up measurements rather than radiographic confirmation, findings should be interpreted with caution.

Authors: Fleming; Dr. Potts.