idiopathic infantile scoliosis

Last edited 06/2020

Infantile idiopathic scoliosis can be present at birth or at any time up to 3 years (1)

Infantile idiopathic scoliosis is more common in boys than in girls (60% to 40%).

It is generally left sided convex: this accounts for 90% of cases - curve is more frequently convex to the left and the deformity resolves spontaneously in most cases (1)

It may resolve spontaneously in some cases: positive signs that this will occur are left-sided curves occurring in the first year of life in males with a rib-vertebral angle of less than 20 degrees. Otherwise, it has an alarming progression which is treated with braces and surgery.

It is associated with ipsilateral plagiocephaly and radial dysplasia.

Reference:

  • Ventura N et al. Infantile idiopathic scoliosis in the newborn.International Orthopaedics (SICOT) (1998) 22: 82- 86