Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Classification Systems
The strengths and weaknesses of current classification options.
How useful are current and emerging AIS classification systems? Do they help improve outcome? What are their weaknesses? Doctors LaBelle, Newton, O’Brien, and Skaggs analyze today’s classification systems and address their shortfalls.
Release Date: August 10, 2009
Expiration Date: August 10, 2010
Faculty
- Hubert LaBelle, MD Co-Chair About

Professor, Department of Surgery
Titular of the Motion Sciences Research Chair
Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Montreal
Montreal, Quebec, CanadaHubert Labelle was born in Montreal, Canada in 1952. He received a Medical Degree in 1976 and completed a residency in orthopaedics at University of Montreal in 1981, followed by a two-year fellowship in pediatric orthopaedics at Sainte-Justine University Hospital in Montreal, Rancho Los Amigos Hospital in California, and Alfred I. DuPont Institute in Delaware. Read More
- Peter O. Newton, MD Co-Chair About

Associate Clinical Professor
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
University of California, San Diego
Doctor Peter Newton is Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of California, San Diego, CA. Board certified, Dr. Newton is a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon at the Pediatric Orthopedic and Scoliosis Center at Children's Specialists of San Diego. In addition, he is Chief of Orthopedic Research at Rady Children's Hospital and Health Center, also in San Diego. Read More
- Michael F. O'Brien, MD Co-Chair About
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Miami Children's HospitalMiami, FL USADoctor O'Brien is a fellowship trained and board certified Orthopaedic Surgeon at Miami Children's Hospital. He specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of spinal disorders and deformities, including reconstructive spine surgery for children, adolescents and adults. Read More
- David L. Skaggs, MD Co-Chair About

Endowed Chair of Pediatric Spinal Disorders
Associate Director, Childrens Orthopaedic Center
Childrens Hospital Los Angeles
Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
University of Southern California School of Medicine
Doctor David Skaggs received his Bachelor of Arts in Neuroscience form Amherst College and his Medical Degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and remained at Columbia University for his orthopedic residency. He completed one fellowship in pediatric orthopedics and spinal deformity at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, and a second in orthopedic basic science research at Columbia University. Read More
Target Audience
This online continuing education program is intended for orthopaedic and neurological surgeons, residents, and fellows who include spinal surgery in their practices.
Educational Objectives
- Discuss the need to develop a valid and clinically usable classification system to evaluate three-dimensional nature of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
- Describe curve types and modifiers related to the Lenke Classification system.
- Discuss selective and non-selective fusions.
Course Completion Time
Based upon trials, the estimated time to complete this program is 1 hour.
Sponsorship
This activity is sponsored by Medical Education Resources, Inc., a non-profit medical education company. BroadWater, a Vertical Health, LLC company was selected to manage program development logistics.
Educational Grant
The content and views presented in this educational activity are those of the faculty and do not necessarily reflect those of Medical Education Resources.
A restricted educational grant in support of this program was provided by: DePuy Spine, Inc., a Johnson and Johnson Company.

Physician Accreditation
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint sponsorship of Medical Education Resources and BroadWater. Medical Education Resources is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.Credit Designation
Medical Education Resources designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Disclosure Policy
It is the policy of Medical Education Resources (MER) to ensure balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor in all its educational activities. All faculty/ authors participating in our programs are expected to disclose any relationships they may have with commercial companies whose products or services may be mentioned so that participants may evaluate the objectivity of the presentations.
Faculty Disclosure
In accordance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and ACCME guidelines, the financial and significant relationships to this program are listed below.
Hubert LaBelle, MD has indicated the following relevant financial relationships: Medtronic: Grants/Research Support
Peter O. Newton, MD has indicated the following relevant financial relationships: Axial Biotech, Inc.: Grants/Research Support DePuy Spine: Consultant, Grants/Research Support, Other Financial or Material Support
Michael F. O'Brien, MD has indicated the following relevant financial relationships: DePuy Spine: Grants/Research Support; Consultant; Speakers Bureau; Financial or Material Support
David L. Skaggs, MD has indicated the following relevant financial relationships: Medtronic: Consultant, Grants/Research Support, Speakers' Bureau Stryker Spine: Consultant, Speakers' Bureau
Staff Disclosure
Jeremy Longhurst, Susan Spinasanta: Nothing to disclose.
The staff at MER has nothing to disclose.
Advisor/Staff Disclosures
Jason M. Highsmith, MD: Speakers Bureau: Boston Scientific, Globus Medical
Disclaimer
The content and views presented in this educational activity are those of the faculty and do not necessarily reflect those of Medical Education Resources.
A restricted educational grant in support of this program was provided by: DePuy Spine, Inc., a Johnson and Johnson Company.
Off-Label/Investigational Use
It should be noted that specific medicines and medical devices discussed or referred to in this program may not yet be specifically cleared by the FDA for use in the United States. It is emphasized that package inserts must be referred to for labeling limitations for products used in the United States.
Software Requirements
- PC
- Microsoft Windows 2000 SE or above.
- Internet Explorer (v6 or greater), or Firefox
- Adobe Flash Player (v8 or greater)
- MAC
- MAC OS 10.2.8
- Safari or Firefox (Internet Explorer is not supported on the Macintosh)
- Adobe Flash Player (v8 or greater)
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