Adolescent Scoliosis

      Scoliosis is a side to side or a rotated/twisted curvature of the spine. The spine may take the shape of an S (double curve) or a C (single curve). One shoulder or hip may be higher than the other. This is a result from the abnormal curvature of the spine.

     Scoliosis is eight times more likely to occur in girls between the ages of 8 and 18 but it is possible for boys to have Scoliosis also. Many people who have Scoliosis also have hypo-kyphosis which is when there is not enough backward curve in the upper spine. The curvatures that result from Scoliosis are diverse because of all the possible curvature combinations in different people.

     Although there are many different causes for Scoliosis, adolescents are more susceptible to this condition because of the rapid growth that takes place during this stage of life. If the back does not grow as straight as it should during adolescence, this is the most common type of Scoliosis. It is called Idiopathic Scoliosis and there is no known cause or no known prevention. This is not a rare disease. Scoliosis affects one in every ten people. Some people even have very mild Scoliosis and never know that they have it.

     All technical information provided by Scoliosis and Spinal Deformities: a Guide for Patients written by Children's Orthopedic Surgical Foundation: Spinal Program

Attention: Although this information is designed to inform patients about Scoliosis and the treatments offered, the advice of your Orthopedic Surgeon is the most valuable source and should not be replaced by this website's information

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