Main goals of PSIF in scoliosis
- stop curve progression
- improve spinal alignment in the coronal, sagittal, and rotational planes
- restore better trunk balance and shoulder/pelvic symmetry
- stabilise the spine long term
- reduce the risk of future deformity progression that could affect pain, posture, function, or cardiopulmonary mechanics in severe cases.
PSIF is commonly considered in patients with scoliosis when:
- the curve is progressive
- the deformity is structurally significant
- non-operative measures such as observation or bracing are no longer sufficient
- the surgical objective is definitive correction and long-term stabilisation. In adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, surgery is generally discussed when the curve becomes large enough that continued progression is likely.
PSIF remains a major workhorse procedure because it offers:
- strong three-dimensional deformity control
- reliable long-term stabilisation
- broad applicability across many scoliosis patterns
- established clinical track record
- effective control of progression in structural curves