M41: Scoliosis

M41.1: Juvenile idiopathic scoliosis

Juvenile idiopathic scoliosis is a condition that affects the spine, causing it to curve or twist towards one side. It primarily occurs in children between the ages of 4 to 10 years old and the cause remains unknown, hence the term 'idiopathic'. This abnormal curvature of the spine can lead to noticeable changes in a child's posture, such as uneven shoulders or waist. Progression of the curve can also result in back pain and difficulties with lung function in severe cases. While children with this condition may display no early symptoms, unusual spinal curvature can often be detected during routine child wellness checks. The severity of the curve and the child's rate of growth largely determine how the disease progresses.