The head will not tilt, but rather straighten to maintain the eyes parallel to the horizon, which may cause a 'C' curvature in the cervical vertebrae. Elbow and hand positions may appear longer on the shorter side, with the opposing arm swinging more on the shorter side. The foot will supinate on the shorter side and weight bear on the lateral part of the foot. It may also function in an equinus position to prevent dorsiflexion. Due to these compensations, the shorter leg may be prone to stress fractures due to the non-shock absorbing nature of the supinated foot.
Chambers describes a typical gait where the short leg steps down and the long leg is vaulting.
Walking on toes on the short side and flexing the knee of the long side is typical. The centre of gravity is shifted unevenly, so the smooth sinusoidal motion of gait is disrupted. Thus the cosmetic effect of the gait can also contribute to the compensation mechanisms. Compensatory muscle shortening can also lead to the formation of trigger points. If the scoliosis is present both standing and flexed it can indicate a structural scoliosis.