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 disease, but whether it changes quality of life, appearance, or back pain is unclear. Surgery is usually recommended by orthopedists for curves with a high likelihood of progression (i.e., greater than 45 to 50° of magnitude), curves that would be cosmetically unacceptable as an adult, curves in patients with spina bifida and cerebral palsy that interfere with sitting and care, and curves that affect physiological functions such as breathing. Surgery is indicated by the Society on Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT) at 45 to 50° and by the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) at a Cobb angle of 45°. SOSORT