Scoliosis is defined as an abnormal curvature of the spine. Normally, the spine is curved from front to back. When scoliosis is present, the spine rotates and twists laterally from the midline. The exact cause of scoliosis is still unknown, although there are several factors which can produce this type of curvature. Most idiopathic scoliosis cases are found in otherwise healthy people.
Idiopathic scoliosis is broken down into four categories based on age.
Found in children ages 3 and under. Found after skeletal maturity. AIS develops in young adults around the onset of puberty. While scoliosis is not strictly considered to be hereditary, people with a family history of spinal deformity are at a greater risk for developing it. Usually, the parent of a child with scoliosis notices that the spine does not appear to be straight.