Description:
A side curvature of the spine that occurs at birth and is associated with an abnormal architecture.
Cause:
The exact cause of scoliosis is unknown but given that the condition runs in families, the cause is most likely genetic.
- Combination of Bars and Hemivertebra
In some cases, a spine may develop with an un-segmented bar on one side and a hemivertebra on the other resulting in an increased curvature of the spine. - Compensatory Curves
A spine with a scoliosis curve will sometimes develop other curves in the opposite direction above or below the affected area to compensate for and balance out the scoliosis curve. - Failure of Separation of the Vertebrae
During development, the spine initially forms as a single tissue which later divides into segments that develop into the vertebrae. If the segments fail to separate it results in partial or complete fusion of two or more vertebrae. The un-segmented bar prevents the spine from growing straight and results in a spinal curve.
