Abstract
1. Resolving infantile scoliosis is transient and unimportant; progressive infantile idiopathic scoliosis can be catastrophic.
2. To be able to differentiate the two at an early stage is a considerable advance. This is important for many reasons, but particularly for parents who are anxious for the future of an infant with a small curve which looks so innocent but which can be so malignant.
3. With the new observations reported by Mehta on the difference of the angles between the apical vertebra and its two ribs, and on the radiological relationship of these rib heads to the vertebral body, the prognosis is now almost wholly reliable.
4. Our former clinical impression that all cases with compensatory curves are progressive has now been verified.
5. At last an early distinction between progressive and resolving scoliosis can be made with confidence.
