Scoliosis Research Society Scoliosis Research Society Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) is a non-profit, professional, international organization, made up of physicians and allied health personnel, whose purpose is to "care for those with spinal deformity throughout life by patient care, education, research and patient advocacy." Founded in 1966 with 35 members, the SRS has grown to include almost 1100 spinal deformity surgeons in 41 countries, with a primary focus on providing continuing medical education for health care professionals and on funding/supporting research in spinal deformities. Among its founding members were Dr Paul Randall Harrington, inventor of the Harrington Rod treatment for scoliosis, and Dr.
Scoliosis in life secondary to degenerative (may or may not be associated with aging) changes. This is a type of deformity that starts and progresses because of the collapse of the vertebral column in an asymmetrical manner. People who initially present with scoliosis undergo physical examination to determine whether the deformity has an underlying cause and to exclude the possibility of underlying condition more serious than simple scoliosis. The person's gait is assessed, with an exam for signs of other abnormalities (e.g., spina bifida as evidenced by a dimple, hairy patch, lipoma, or hemangioma). A thorough neurological examination is also performed,