Progression of untreated idiopathic scoliosis as seen on X-ray film

The natural history of scoliosis, or lateral curvature of the spine, was followed up in 135 patients (111 girls, 24 boys) for a total average period of 52,4 months. We observed patients with a curvature of between 50 and 300 none of whom had been treated specifically as orthotics or with electrical stimulation or by surgery. Two groups of patients with progressive curvature were differentiated: 1) in 62.2% of the patients the curvature progressed by more than 50 during the entire observation period; 2) in 36% of the patients we found an increase in curvature by more than 50 within one year. Another result of our study was that idiopathic scoliosis is particularly dangerous in young patients with a '0' Risser sign. Thoracic curvatures and double major curvatures were more liable to progress than lumbar and thoracolumbar curvatures. Even a small angle of curvature in young patients must be taken seriously. (orig.)