Scoliosis

What Increases Your Risk

Factors that increase a person's risk for scoliosis include:

• Family history. Scoliosis is known to run in families. Children—especially daughters—of women who have scoliosis are at increased risk for having scoliosis.⁴
• Being female. Girls are seven times more likely than boys to have a significant curve that requires treatment.²

Scoliosis is more common in people who have:

• A spinal bone that is pushed forward (forward displacement), usually in the lower back (spondylolisthesis).
• Missing or abnormally short arms or legs.
• Other disorders related to tissue development while in the womb.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Kathe Gallagher, MSW	Last Updated: August 30, 2007
Medical Review:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Thomas S. Renshaw, MD - Orthopedics
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.