age of scoliosis
1 There are several types of scoliosis based on the cause and age when the curve develops; the majority of patients have no known cause. 2  The most common symptom of scoliosis is curvature of the spine.  Scoliosis risk factors include age (9-15-year-olds), female sex, and family history. 1 Scoliosis is an abnormal curve in the spine. 2  There are several types of scoliosis based on the cause and age when the curve develops; the majority of patients have no known cause.  The most common symptom of scoliosis is curvature of the spine. Idiopathic scoliosis, the most common type, does not have a known cause. Children who have this type of scoliosis usually first develop symptoms in childhood. Most cases of scoliosis are mild, involving small curves in the spine that do not get worse. Small curves usually do not cause pain or other problems. Usually a doctor examines the child every 4 to 6 months to watch for any changes. In moderate or severe cases of scoliosis, the curves continue to get worse. Early-onset scoliosis is a subset of idiopathic scoliosis, and has no known cause. It is a rare condition that affects children under age 10 and is often accompanied by other health issues, such as chest wall deformities, neuromuscular diseases, and benign or malignant spinal tumors. The Spine Program is a cornerstone of the Division of Orthopedics, which is top ranked in the nation on the U.S. News & World Report Honor Roll of Best Children’s Hospitals. For example, in a 2010 study of almost 1,300 adults with back pain who had a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, Johns Hopkins researchers found that 13 percent of people age 46 to 60 and 39% of those over age 60 had lumbar (lower back) scoliosis. People with scoliosis develop additional curves to either side of the body, and the bones of the spine twist on each other, forming a C or an S shape in the spine. Scoliosis is about two times more common in girls than boys. It can be seen at any age, but it is most common in those over about 10 years of age. Scoliosis is hereditary in that people with scoliosis are more likely to have children with scoliosis; however, there is no correlation between the severity of the curves from one generation to the next. Only about 1 out of 10 children who are diagnosed with scoliosis require treatment (either bracing or surgery). Things that may point to the potential increase in a spinal curve include: The age of the child and the development stage, or maturity, of his or her skeleton when scoliosis is diagnosed. Thanks to their surgical knowledge, clinical experience and innovative research, CHOP’s Spine Program offers a depth and breadth of experience treating spine conditions that is unparalleled in the region. 1 The most common symptom of scoliosis is curvature of the spine. 2  Scoliosis risk factors include age (9-15-year-olds), female sex, and family history.  Diagnosis is done by the physical exam and by imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs.
9-15-year