Your Scoliosis Surgery: What You Should Know

Types of Scoliosis
Although there are many types and causes of scoliosis, about 80% are idiopathic. Idiopathic means the cause of scoliosis is not known. It is thought to be genetic or inherited in most cases. Other common causes include:

• Congenital (such as caused by a hemivertebrae in which one side of a vertebral body fails to fully form creating a wedge-shaped body)
  
• Neuromuscular (associated with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, polio, etcetera)
  
• Degenerative (disc 'wear and tear')
  
• Spina Bifida -Other

Idiopathic Scoliosis, Double "S" Curve	Congenital Scoliosis; arrow points to the hemivertebrae

Neuromuscular Scoliosis, "C" Curve	Neuromuscular Scoliosis

Spina Bifida (below): Note the severe scoliosis and kyphosis associated with this congenital abnormality.