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Scoliosis may assume various shapes and occur in different parts of the spine depending on the underlying primary illness. The spinal curves may differ among individuals even when the same disease causes scoliosis.
Interestingly, everyone's scoliosis has a distinct shape and response to treatment. Therefore, unexpected results may be obtained in the natural course and treatment of some patients.
Considering the variable characteristics of scoliosis, the diseases that can cause scoliosis are listed below in order of frequency:
- Idiopathic scoliosis: This is the most common type of scoliosis. It is named "idiopathic" (of unknown cause) because its cause has not yet been explained.
- Neuromuscular scoliosis. This is the second most common type of scoliosis, caused by an underlying nerve-muscle disease. Nerve disorders may arise from the brain or spinal cord (i.e., polio, cerebral palsy, meningomyelocele, children with traumatic spinal cord injury and paralysis, etc.) Muscular diseases are present during childhood or later (such as Duchenne's disease).
- Congenital scoliosis. This type of scoliosis is caused by spinal abnormalities that have occurred during development of the child inside the uterus. They are generally progressive because of their onset from birth.
- Syndromic diseases. Scoliosis may occur following numerous genetic diseases. Patients with syndromic illnesses need close observation for the development of scoliosis.
- Neurofibromatosis. This is a disease affecting the bones and soft tissues. Scoliosis often accompanies this condition.
- Rheumatoid diseases
- Diseases affecting the connective tissues, such as Osteogenesis imperfecta, Marfan's syndrome, Ehlers Danlos.
- Spinal fractures
- Spinal infections
- Metabolic diseases, such as Morquio, Gaucher's disease, etc.
As can be seen, there are many diseases—only some of which are listed above, that cause scoliosis. The follow-up and treatment of the patients may vary depending on the underlying disease.