Scoliosis

What causes scoliosis?
Eighty percent of scoliosis is of unknown cause (idiopathic).
Much research is being done into this field including work at
the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital. In most of these cases
the condition develops in girls between 10 –15 years old and is
more common in the relatives of those affected.
Other cases are congenital (caused by abnormal development
of the bones in the spine) and some are due to problems with
nerves or muscles (such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy).
How is scoliosis detected?
Scoliosis can be seen by a trained observer looking at a patient’s
back. When a patient bends forward one side of the chest or
loin may appear more prominent if scoliosis is present.
Some education authorities screen all teenagers for scoliosis.
If the school doctor has any doubts then an appointment is
usually arranged at the scoliosis clinic for X-rays to be taken.
Monitoring and progression of the curve
Although some new photographic methods are now becoming
available, X-rays are still the most reliable way of detecting any
worsening in the degree of scoliosis.
At the time of diagnosis there is no accurate way to predict
which curves will worsen. Some smaller curves do not get
worse. Many curves remain stable for years but suddenly get
worse during the adolescent growth spurt. The child’s potential
for growth is therefore one of the most important factors in
predicting curve progression. In general, patients who have a
lot of growth to come have a higher risk of curve progression.
Growth potential, and therefore potential for curve
progression, can be evaluated by age at diagnosis, menstrual
history and radiological signs of bone maturity. Overall, females
with scoliosis have a greater risk of curve progression.
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