This book provides comprehensive coverage of current topics in idiopathic scoliosis (IS). A
three-dimensional deformity of the spine the condition is characterized by lateral curvature
combined with vertebral rotation. The primary lesion however lies in the median sagittal
plane taking the form of a lordosis. Although the clinical manifestations of scoliosis have
been well documented its cause and pathogenesis have not yet been determined. Research into
what causes IS has focused on the structural elements of the spine spinal musculature
collagenous structures the endocrine system the central nervous system and genetics. Results
of these studies have brought about a new perception of IS epiphenomena but the main cause of
IS remains unknown. Recently several investigators have produced new hypotheses regarding the
cause of IS using the developing techniques of genetics biochemistry and neurology. This book
is a review of the various causative factors thus far proposed for IS and an introduction to
the directions in which research is heading to determine the primary cause of IS.
