Juvenile scoliosis is a condition that affects children between the ages of 3 and 9, and it is characterized by the presence of an abnormal lateral curve of the spine. This curve causes the spinal column to bend to the left or the right. It occurs more frequently in girls than boys. Children with juvenile scoliosis are often at high risk for progression to more severe curves.

Juvenile scoliosis should be monitored by X-ray every three to six months through adolescence. If progression occurs without appropriate treatment, severe spinal deformity and cardiovascular problems can occur. About 70 percent of patients with juvenile scoliosis require treatment. Half of these patients will need a brace, and the other half will require surgery. If surgery is needed, every effort is made to delay the treatment after skeletal maturity. If surgery is required before skeletal maturity, a larger surgery may be necessary. Studies have shown that the effectiveness of bracing patients with juvenile scoliosis is directly related to how long the brace is worn each day.

Curve types:

• Double major - Right thoracic and left lumbar curves are equal
• Lumbar - Less visible on physical examination; 70 percent occur on the left side
• Thoracic - A common patterns in scoliosis; 90 percent occur on the right side
• Thoracolumbar - Another common pattern in scoliosis; 80 percent occur on the right side