Which statement is true for idiopathic scoliosis, which occurs primarily in adolescents?

Which statement is true for idiopathic scoliosis, which occurs primarily in adolescents?

• A. Mild curves occur equally between the sexes
• B. Generally there is no family history
• C. Back pain is usually associated with curves of 35 degrees or greater
• D. Bracing is indicated for thoracic curves of 10-25 degrees

Answer: (A)

In adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis, the initial appearance of mild curves shows no strong gender bias; mild curves occur in boys and girls with roughly equal frequency. The important distinction is what happens as curves grow or approach skeletal maturity: progression is more common in girls, which is why sex becomes a key factor when predicting progression rather than when describing the presence of very mild curves themselves. Other statements don’t fit typical AIS patterns. There is often a family history component, indicating a genetic predisposition, so saying there’s generally no family history isn’t accurate. Back pain is not a usual feature in AIS unless the curve is large or there are other spine issues, so linking pain to a specific mild degree like 35 degrees isn’t correct. Bracing is used to prevent progression in skeletally immature patients with moderate curves, typically in the mid-20s to around 40 degrees, not for curves as small as 10-25 degrees. So, the true statement is that mild curves occur equally between the sexes.

In adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis, the initial appearance of mild curves shows no strong gender bias; mild curves occur in boys and girls with roughly equal frequency. The important distinction is what happens as curves grow or approach skeletal maturity: progression is more common in girls, which is why sex becomes a key factor when predicting progression rather than when describing the presence of very mild curves themselves.

Other statements don’t fit typical AIS patterns. There is often a family history component, indicating a genetic predisposition, so saying there’s generally no family history isn’t accurate. Back pain is not a usual feature in AIS unless the curve is large or there are other spine issues, so linking pain to a specific mild degree like 35 degrees isn’t correct. Bracing is used to prevent progression in skeletally immature patients with moderate curves, typically in the mid-20s to around 40 degrees, not for curves as small as 10-25 degrees.

So, the true statement is that mild curves occur equally between the sexes.