The interrelated results of earlier experimental and clinical studies have provided adequate evidence to support the thoracispinal theory of the pathogenesis of IS. According to this new theory stimulation of longitudinal growth of the left ribs is the origin of right convex thoracic IS in adolescent girls. Subsequently successful attempts also have been made to correct scoliosis in growing rabbits by interventions on the ribs. Case report: Right convex thoracolumbar IS of 26 degrees was diagnosed in a 6-year-old girl. One year later the curve had increased to 46 degrees. The patient was then operated upon by 2 cm shortening of three ribs on the side of the concavity. Fifteen months after the operation the Cobb angle was successively reduced to 30 degrees and after another 12 months to 21 degrees, or by 54 per cent. The results of the earlier studies and of the reported case provide evidence that operations on the ribs if used at proper age under well-defined indications may consistute a new approach in the treatment of early thoracic curves. The vast implications of new, easy-to-perform and harmless operations based on physiological concepts on the overall treatment of early progressing curves need not to be underlined.