Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a musculoskeletal disorder in which there is a sideways curvature of the spine, or backbone. The bones that make up the spine are called vertebrae. Some people who have scoliosis require treatment. Other people, who have milder curves, may only need to visit their doctor for periodic observation.
People of all ages can have scoliosis. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (scoliosis of unknown cause) is the most common type and occurs after the age of 10. Idiopathic scoliosis can also occur in children younger than 10 years of age, but is very rare. This type of scoliosis is more common in girls than boys. Scoliosis can run in families, therefore, a child who has a parent, brother, or sister with idiopathic scoliosis should be checked regularly. Early onset or infantile idiopathic scoliosis occurs in children less than 3 years old. Juvenile idiopathic scoliosis occurs in children between the ages of 3 and 10.
A scoliosis can be a temporary, changing curve called Nonstructural (functional) scoliosis or a fixed curvature called Structural scoliosis. These conditions are diagnosed through a medical history and a physical examination.
Treatments can range from no treatment at all, to surgical intervention depending on the cause of the curvature, the patient's age, how much more he or she is likely to grow, the degree and pattern of the curve, and the type of scoliosis.