Description: Segment 1 Mr Manning explains what scoliosis is. A picture of a female standing in profile is shown, and Manning points out the affected areas of her spine. She is shown from behind, and no evidence of a curve is seen. A table is seen, listing classifications of two types of scoliosis, postural and structural. Photographs of a female patient with asymmetry of the spine are seen and Manning points out the affected areas. An illustration of a spinal bone structure is shown to explain why curvature occurs. An illustration of thoracic scoliosis is seen and Manning points out the deviation of the spine. A skeleton of a normal spine is shown, and Manning compares this with bones affected by severe scoliosis. Time start: 00:00:00:00 Time end: 00:06:04:00 Length: 00:06:04:00 Segment 2 A photograph of a female patient is seen. Manning asks how such a deformity was allowed to take place without parents noticing. A booklet by the Scoliosis Research Society is seen and Manning suggests that the patient may have been ashamed or frightened to seek advice. A series of drawings of females is seen and Manning points out the different curvatures. A table is seen that lists the causes of scoliosis, including osteogenic, neurogenic, thoracogenic and myogenic. An x-ray of a spine is seen, and Manning points out an extra piece of bone. Time start: 00:06:04:00 Time end: 00:10:29:05 Length: 00:04:25:05 Segment 3 A photograph of a female who had poliomyelitis is seen. Two x-rays of curved spines are shown and Manning says that they are examples of curves that may occur in neurofibromatosis. Mike Edgar is then introduced and he talks about what can be done for a spine that is already curved. A chart showing the incidence of idiopathic scoliosis against the age of young patients is seen. A table listing treatments is seen, and Edgar explains the three types of treatment. Footage of a girl in a spinal brace is seen, and Edgar explains that this brace, the Milwaukee, is best for preventing deterioration in a mild curve. The brace is shown in detail. Time start: 00:10:29:05 Time end: 00:14:52:19 Length: 00:04:23:14 Segment 4 A table lists methods of correction for a more severe curve, including traction on the spine or lateral flexion on the reverse direction of the curve. Edgar demonstrates manipulation using malleable strips. Footage of a female in traction is shown. Footage of two girls in traction to treat more severe curves is shown and Edgar explains the technique. Footage of a female in bed wearing a Risser turnbuckle jacket is seen. Next, Edgar talks about surgical correction of adolescent scoliosis. He demonstrates where the surgery would take place on a skeleton. X-rays of a recently treated teenage girl are seen from before and after traction and surgery. The patient is seen after surgery in a plaster jacket. Photographs of another girl with severe scoliosis are seen, and then x-rays show her spine after treatment two years later. Time start: 00:14:52:19 Time end: 00:20:02:01 Length: 00:05:09:07 Segment 6 Mehta next explains biochemical research into idiopathic scoliosis. An example into research into defects in connective tissues is that of Marfan syndrome. Photographs of a 4-year-old girl with the syndrome and thoracic scoliosis are seen. Photographs of a 5-year-old boy with mucopolysaccharidosis and kyphoscoliosis are seen. A x-ray of a patient with osteogenesis imperfecta and a thoracic curve is shown. She talks about the kinds of connective tissues that have been investigated, including collagen. She says that although research has differed, it is clear on the relevance of collagen metabolism to scoliosis. Time start: 00:25:04:21 Time end: 00:30:11:00 Length: 00:05:06:04. Segment 7 Next, Mehta looks at the results of experimental production of scoliosis in animals. First, she explains the theory of scoliosis being caused by an imbalance of forces acting on the spine. A photograph of the bones of a young rabbit is seen. The rabbit's ribs were resected to produce scoliosis. Mehta finishes by saying that scientists are yet to identify the nature of the genetic factor in scoliosis. Time start: 00:30:11:00 Time end: 00:33:07:00 Length: 00:02:56:00. Segment 8 Mr Manning speaks again and discusses the work of Dr Bobechko in Toronto, who has been using electrical stimulation of normal muscles to try to reduce curves in idiopathic scoliosis. The three experts are seen seated at a table, and they discuss possible future developments. Edgar hopes for improved diagnosis. Min Mehta hopes to identify tissue defects. End credits. Time start: 00:33:07:00 Time end: 00:38:22:17 Length: 00:05:15:17