Machine Learning Prediction of Disease Progression in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Background and Problem Overview Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is a progressive musculoskeletal disorder characterized by a three-dimensional deformation of the spine occurring during adolescence. Diagnosis is typically established with a Cobb angle exceeding 10° and the presence of axial rotation. While the exact etiology remains unknown, leading theories include tissue abnormalities (muscle fibers, bone volume), impaired spinal biomechanics (asymmetric bone growth), and neurological factors (asymmetric cortical thickness, cerebral lateralization, and body schema distortions). The progressive nature of AIS, particularly the high risk of advancement at the onset of puberty, complicates clinical decision-making. Treatment is traditionally divided into three stages: Observation and Exercise: For Cobb angles between 10°-25°. Exercise and Bracing: For Cobb angles between 25°-45°.