Conclusion: Trends and predictions for genetic and developmental biological research on scoliosis

Developmental and genetic studies of the spine, genetic linkage to vertebral anomalies, and family-based association studies have led to advances in understanding the genetic causes of idiopathic and congenital scoliosis. Chapters in this volume have been prepared by research leaders who have been working to identify the genetic and developmental causes of idiopathic and congenital scoliosis. Technological advances in high-throughput sequencing, genotyping, bioinformatics, and medical imaging continue to push forward the limit of possible advances in scoliosis research. Combined with changes in the scale of human genetics research, we anticipate that the next decade could see an exponential increase in the number of genes associated with congenital and idiopathic scoliosis, and a greater understanding of the developmental mechanisms underlying idiopathic scoliosis.