Probability of Developing Scoliosis

Scoliosis, an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, affects approximately 6-9 million Americans. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (the most common form, occurring in children 10-18) affects about 2-3% of the population. While mild scoliosis affects boys and girls equally, curves requiring treatment are about 8 times more common in girls.

Scoliosis is typically first detected during adolescent growth spurts. Most curves are mild (under 20 degrees) and require only monitoring. Moderate curves (20-40 degrees) may require bracing, which has been shown to prevent curve progression in about 72% of patients who wear their brace as prescribed. Severe curves (over 40-50 degrees) may require spinal fusion surgery, which is performed on about 38,000 patients per year in the US.

Risk factors include family history (having a first-degree relative with scoliosis increases risk by about 20%), female sex, and genetic factors (multiple genes have been identified). Adult scoliosis (either untreated adolescent scoliosis or degenerative scoliosis from aging) affects about 8% of adults over 25 and up to 68% of adults over 60 (when including mild degenerative curves). Scoliosis screening in schools has been controversial, with some evidence supporting and some questioning its effectiveness.