Scoliosis by Cathleen L. Raggio, MD, Assistant Attending Orthopedic Surgeon, Department of Orthopedic Surgery Scoliosis, one of the most common disorders of the muscles and bones, affects one to two percent of the population by the age 16. Scoliosis is a painless disorder of the spine which causes the spine to curve and twist. The most common cause for scoliosis is idiopathic, of unknown cause. It is most common in preadolescents and adolescents and is seen more frequently in girls than boys. It tends to run in families.
Physicians diagnose scoliosis through physical appearance and x-rays.
The doctor looks for signs such as one shoulder higher than the other and uneven hips. To determine if there is scoliosis, the doctor will ask your child to bend forward from the waist. He or she will use a device called a scoliometer to measure the degree of twist. X-rays may be used to confirm a curvature. An MRI may be done in young patients.