Abstract

Poland syndrome is a rare genetic condition, which involves the chest. There is no genetic testing. Diagnosis is reliant upon history and examination findings. An overlooked feature of Poland’s syndrome is thoracic scoliosis. Spinal involvement may be predisposed by associated genetic muscle and skeletal anomalies affecting the serratus, latissimus dorsi, external oblique, ribs, sternum and spine. This paper reviews the history of a patient referred for progressive postural changes and back pain associated with idiopathic thoracolumbar scoliosis, who on examination actually had Poland’s syndrome. Presentation of spinal scoliosis should prompt clinicians to investigate potential genetic causes, which may also impact patient management.