Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), extreme curvature of the spine, affects approximately 5% of the entire US population, meaning approximately 2 million adolescents in the US have been diagnosed with AIS. Approximately 38 thousand patients undergo spinal fusion for AIS annually in the US. The surgery involves aligning the spine with rods and screws in a lengthy and invasive surgery, with negative effects on patient quality of life. Over $1.5 billion are spent annually on spinal fusion surgery in the US alone. Not only is the surgery lengthy and costly, but do 50% of patients suffer long term complications. Learn more about AIS here.