• What is scoliosis?
• Definitions
• Idiopathic scoliosis
  • Early onset scoliosis
  • Late onset scoliosis
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• Degenerative scoliosis
• Neuromuscular scoliosis
• Congenital scoliosis
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Early onset scoliosis

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Early onset idiopathic scoliosis is defined as scoliosis that is first diagnosed in a child between birth and age 10 years. To be classified as idiopathic means that there is no known cause for a young child to have developed scoliosis at this age. Congenital spinal abnormalities (misshapen and connected [fused] vertebrae) can also cause scoliosis and are also often diagnosed during this period.  Some early onset idiopathic curves will resolve without treatment but those that are progressive will require intensive treatment. At the younger end of the spectrum, boys are affected slightly more than are girls and the curve is often left-sided. Towards the upper end of the age spectrum, the condition is more like late onset (adolescent) idiopathic scoliosis, with a predominance of girls and right-sided curves.

For further information about early onset scoliosis such as cause, diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, casting, surgery, bracing and prognosis, please download our comprehensive advice sheet (PDF 82KB). We also have a publication, Scoliosis in infants, written by Miss Min H Mehta, FRCS, now retired, who is an expert on early onset scoliosis in babies and a pioneer of plaster cast treatment, which you can purchase from our online shop.  And, there is an account of what it is like to be a parent looking after a child with early onset scoliosis, please go to our personal accounts section.

If you would like to talk further about any aspect of scoliosis, SAUK is here to help; please call our helpline or contact us via post or e-mail.