idiopathic scoliosis
Last reviewed 01/2018
There is a lateral curvature of the thoracic or lumbar spine of greater than 10 degrees in idiopathic scoliosis. Thoracic deviations tend to be more severe than lumbar.
The earlier the onset of idiopathic scoliosis, the worse the prognosis tends to be.
In the area of the primary curve there is a loss of mobility - the fixed region - and a rotational deformity of the vertebrae. Within the rotational deformity, the bodies of the vertebrae rotate into the convexity and the spinous processes rotate into the concavity. Above and below the primary curve region, secondary curves develop to maintain the normal position of the head and pelvis.