Scoliosis is a side-to-side curvature of the spine that can occur throughout childhood, but is most commonly seen in the periadolescent years and frequently identified during periods of rapid growth. Scoliosis should be regarded as a sign and not a diagnosis, as there are many potential causes of scoliosis, including congenital spine malformations and neuromuscular disorders. The most common form of scoliosis is idiopathic, where no clear etiology exists in an otherwise healthy patient.
