ABSTRACT
Scoliosis is divided into three categories, each of which requires different treatment interventions: Congenital, idiopathic, and neuromuscular. There are many causes of scoliosis, but adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common. AIS is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning other diseases or causes have to be ruled out first. The condition is hereditary and multifactorial and has no identifiable cause. Causes that have been hypothesized include hormonal (melatonin), brainstem, or proprioception disorders; skeletal muscle abnormalities; abnormal collagen content of discs; fibrilin fibers in ligaments; platelet-calmodulin problems; connective tissue disorders; and growth ab normalities. AIS is defined as a persistent lateral curvature of the spine of more than 10 degrees in the erect position. Although lateral curvature is the main component, it can be associated with rotation of the spine and different plane curvatures. These additional curvatures and rotation make AIS a complex three-dimensional deformity. Treatment is required in 0.2% to 0.3% of patients.
