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Review
. 2017 Dec 29:11:1466-1489.
doi: 10.2174/1874325001711011466. eCollection 2017.

Etiological Theories of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Past and Present

Maja Fadzan  1 , Josette Bettany-Saltikov  2
Affiliations
Review

Etiological Theories of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Past and Present

Maja Fadzan et al. Open Orthop J. .

Abstract

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is one of the most common spinal deformities, yet its cause is unknown. Various theories look to biomechanical, neuromuscular, genetic, and environmental origins, yet our understanding of scoliosis etiology is still limited. Determining the cause of a disease is crucial to developing the most effective treatment. Associations made with scoliosis do not necessarily point to causality, and it is difficult to determine whether said associations are primary (playing a role in development) or secondary (develop as a result of scoliosis). Scoliosis is a complex condition with highly variable expression, even among family members, and likely has many causes. These causes could be similar among homogenous groups of AIS patients, or they could be individual. Here, we review the most prevalent theories of scoliosis etiology and recent trends in research.

Keywords: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis; Etiology; Neuromuscular; Pathogenesis; Scoliosis; Spinal.

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Figures

Fig. (1)
Fig. (1)
Impaired Forward Flexion (adapted from [52]).
Fig. (2)
Fig. (2)
Stoke’s Vicious Cycle of Pathogenesis: A lateral spinal curvature produces asymmetrical loading of the skeletally immature spine, which in turn, causes asymmetrical growth and a progressive wedging deformity. Adapted from, “Scoliosis and the Human Spine” by Martha C. Hawes (2002).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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