What is scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine — in addition to the normal front to back curvature — has an abnormal side-to-side “S”- or “C”-shaped curvature. The spine is also rotated or twisted, pulling the ribs along with it to form a multidimensional curve.

What are the different types?

Scoliosis is diagnosed and treated as one of three main types:

• Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common form, with no definite cause, mainly affecting adolescent girls, but existing in three age groups adolescent, juvenile and infantile (early-onset).
• Neuromuscular scoliosis is associated with a neuromuscular condition such as cerebral palsy, myopathy or spina bifida.
• Present at birth, congenital scoliosis is caused by a failure of the vertebrae to form normally — the least common form.

How we care for scoliosis

The Boston Children’s Hospital Spinal Program team specializes in the pediatric spine. We treat all types of scoliosis and other spinal conditions — from the most common to the most complex — offering our patients expert diagnosis, treatment and care.

As one of the largest referral centers in the country, our team sees more than 12,000 patients and performs hundreds of spinal operations each year. With ongoing research informing patient treatment, we’re known for our science-driven, experience-based approach.