Scoliosis risk factors

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Rohan A. Bhimani, M.B.B.S., D.N.B., M.Ch.[2]

Overview

Common risk factors in the development of scoliosis include Age (growth spurt), female gender and family history.

Risk Factors

Common Risk Factors

Common risk factors in the development of scoliosis include:

• Age
  • Signs and symptoms typically begin during the growth spurt that occurs just prior to puberty.
• Sex
  • Although both boys and girls develop mild scoliosis at about the same rate, girls have a much higher risk of the curve worsening and requiring treatment.
  • Scoliosis in infants and young children are less common, and commonly affect boys and girls equally.
• Family history
  • Scoliosis can run in families, but most children with scoliosis don't have a family history of the disease.