ADOLESCENT MEDICINE :: Orthopaedic Problems What is scoliosis? A
normal spine, when viewed from behind, appears straight.
However, a spine affected by scoliosis shows evidence of a
lateral, or sideways, curvature, and a rotation of the back
bones (vertebrae), giving the appearance that the person is
leaning to one side. The Scoliosis Research Society defines
scoliosis as a curvature of the spine measuring 10 degrees or
greater on x-ray. Scoliosis is a type of spinal deformity and
should not be confused with poor posture. Four common types of
curve patterns seen in scoliosis are: What causes scoliosis? In
most (80 to 85 percent) cases, the cause of scoliosis is unknown
- a condition called idiopathic scoliosis. Scoliosis is more
common in females than males. According to the National
Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases,
three to five out of every 1,000 children develop spinal curves
that are considered large enough to require treatment. The
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, in