Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine in the lateral or sideways plane when a patient is viewed from either the front or back.

What are some of the signs of scoliosis?

1. One shoulder may be higher than the other
2. One scapula (shoulder blade) may be more prominent than the other
3. With the arm hanging at the side, there may be more space between the arm and body on one side.
4. One hip may appear higher than the other.
5. The head may not be centered on the pelvis
6. When viewed from behind with the patient bending forward until the spine is horizontal with the floor, one side of the back appears to be higher than the other.

What are the causes of scoliosis?
Most patients with scoliosis (70-85%) have Idiopathic Scoliosis, meaning the cause is unknown. This type of curve tends to be familial and has a genetic component. Another type of scoliosis, called Congenital scoliosis, is the result of abnormal formation of the vertebra (back bones). This abnormal formation occurs 4-6 weeks after conception and may be associated with other congenital anomalies or abnormalities. Other specialists are often involved in the care of this problem. Children with various neurological diseases such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and spina bifida may develop Neuromuscular scoliosis as a result of muscle weakness. Connective tissue diseases such as Marfan’s Syndrome have an increased risk of scoliosis. A number of genetic conditions, like Down’s Syndrome, may develop scoliosis as well.

What is the prevalence of Idiopathic Scoliosis in the population?

Based on various population studies, approximately 20 out of 1,000 children have this type of scoliosis. Boys and girls are equally likely to develop scoliosis,