Scoliosis

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

Prognosis

The prognosis of scoliosis depends on the progression of the condition.

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Since the best outcome is the disruption or arrest of the natural history of the scoliosis, prognosis is contingent on the likelihood of progression – a factor assessed with the assignment of a Risser stage and grade.

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The general rules of progression are that larger curves carry a higher risk of progression than smaller curves, and that thoracic and double primary curves carry a higher risk of progression than single lumbar or thoracolumbar curves.

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