Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common type of scoliosis. In other words, we are not sure what causes this type of curvature. This does mean that if scoliosis is present in the family, children should be checked for it. Scoliosis is most common during the adolescent growth spurt but can occur in younger ages.
Congenital scoliosis is caused by vertebral abnormalities that are present at birth.
Both of these deformities result in more growth on one side of the spine than the other, causing the spine to curve. Although the vertebral abnormalities are present at birth, the curvature may not be noticed for several months to several years, depending on the severity of the bone deformity and growth abnormality. Paralytic scoliosis is due to a disorder of the nervous system or muscular system. This includes such disorders as cerebral palsy, myelomeningocele, muscular dystrophy and other diseases. Scoliosis occurs as a secondary deformity in these conditions.