Prognosis

Text Continues Below

---

In general, the severity of the scoliosis depends on the degree of the curvature and whether it threatens vital organs, specifically the lungs and heart. (However, in general, the mortality rate for patients who had adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is normal.)

• Effect of Mild Scoliosis (less than 20 degrees). Mild scoliosis is not serious and requires no treatment other than monitoring.
• Effect of Moderate Scoliosis (between 25 and 70 degrees). It is still not clear whether untreated moderate scoliosis causes significant health problems later on. Some studies have found no difference in either back pain or survival rates in adult untreated patients versus the general population. In one study, adults with moderate scoliosis had normal lung function, although they had difficulty exercising. (The researchers believed that this low exercise tolerance might have been because many patients with scoliosis do not engage in regular physical activity.)
• Effect of Severe Scoliosis (over 70 degrees). If the curvature exceeds 70 degrees, the severe twisting of the spine that occurs in structural scoliosis can cause the ribs to press against the lungs, restrict breathing, and reduce oxygen levels. The distortions may also affect the heart and possibly cause dangerous changes.
• Effect of Very Severe Scoliosis (Over 100 degrees). Eventually, if the curve reaches over 100 degrees, both the lungs and heart can be injured. Patients with this degree of severity are susceptible to lung infections and pneumonia. Curves greater than 100 degrees increase mortality rates, but this problem is very uncommon in America.