New Blood Test Could Help Predict Severe Scoliosis in Adolescents

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) can progress from a spinal curve detected during adolescence to severe deformity, making early assessment of progression risk an important diagnostic challenge. Current management is largely reactive, with treatment decisions often made only after curvature has worsened. To support earlier risk assessment, a new blood test could help identify patients at increased risk of scoliosis progression.

VB Spine LLC (Leesburg, VA, USA) has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Breakthrough Device Designation for ScolimiR-3D, an in vitro diagnostic blood test for patients diagnosed with AIS. The test is designed to assess disease progression risk and support earlier risk stratification. The designation is highlighted as the first granted to a predictive test for scoliosis progression risk.

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ScolimiR-3D uses a standard blood draw to measure six circulating microRNAs associated with AIS progression. The test classifies a patient’s risk of developing a severe spinal curve. Its intended use is to add a predictive dimension to scoliosis care beyond monitoring curve progression alone.

The underlying science was developed at the Viscogliosi Laboratory in Molecular Genetics of Musculoskeletal Diseases, part of the Centre de recherche Azrieli du CHU Sainte-Justine and Université de Montréal. In a study of 116 AIS patients, the six-microRNA panel forming the basis of ScolimiR-3D predicted the risk of developing severe scoliosis with 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity in validation testing. The research was published in Scientific Reports.

ScolimiR-3D is intended to help physicians structure conservative treatments, including bracing, according to a patient’s risk assessment. It is also positioned as an additional resource for counseling families from diagnosis through treatment planning. Additional research supporting the technology is expected to be presented at the Scoliosis Research Society 2026 Annual Meeting, taking place October 6–10 in Sydney, Australia.

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