Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a disease which involves a lateral curvature of the spine; that is, the spine is bent sideways.

Prevalence

Scoliosis curves greater than 10° affect 2-3% of the population, often children between the ages of seven and ten, with a greater incidence among girls.

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Curves greater than 20° affect about 1 in 2500 people. Right-sided curves are more common than left-sided curves.

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Different etiologic theories point to genetic, neuromuscular, hormonal and growth factors, though it appears that the cause is multifactorial. The vast majority of cases (85%) have unknown causes or are idiopathic.

Related Topics:
Genetic - Hormonal - Growth - Idiopathic

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In one out of every 1000 cases, surgery may be necessary.

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Females are nine times more likely to require treatment than males, mostly since they are also more likely to have larger, progressive curves.

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