Patient Education: Diseases Conditions Treatments & Procedures
Scoliosis
Overview
Scoliosis refers to a curvature in the spine. Scoliosis curves can be C shaped or S shaped. Often times they go undetected since a scoliosis curve in many people is quite harmless and of no clinical consequence. They are painless and are not a cause of breathing problems or heart failure as is sometimes believed. Scoliosis begins in the early teens or younger, but the curve undergoes its greatest increase in size only during the growth spurt. The risk of it progressing after growth ends is uncommon and only of concern in certain situations. Your surgeon will determine if there is any concern for progression, nerve compression or imbalance. We may suggest simple surveillance with periodic x-rays.
