Scoliosis occurs in both sexes, but girls are more likely to have more severe curvatures.
It can occur at any age, and is most often noticed during adolescence when there is an accelerated growth rate and the deformity progresses to a severe curvature in a very short period of time. Postural scoliosis does not involve fixed rotation of the vertebrae, is not usually pronounced, and can be corrected by exercise. Structural scoliosis is the result of changes in the body structure with fixed rotation of the vertebrae in the direction of the convexity of the curve. Congenital scoliosis results from improper development of the spine during the third and fifth weeks of fetal life. Congenital abnormalities progress throughout early life and can interfere with normal growth of the trunk.