Changing curve pattern in infantile idiopathic scoliosis: family report with a follow-up of 15 years.

STUDY

DESIGN

The authors monitored a father and his six children, all of whom had idiopathic scoliosis for more than 13 years.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the similarities and differences in curve pattern between the family members.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The etiology and pathogenesis of idiopathic scoliosis are not well understood. Genetic factors play an important role, as is shown by the high concordance in monozygotic twins.

METHODS

Radiographs from all family members were analyzed. Location and direction of the curve, Cobb angle, location of the apex, and rib-vertebra angle difference were compared.

RESULTS

A father and his six children had idiopathic scoliosis. The curves differed within the family and changed during follow-up. The father had a left convex thoracic scoliosis of 42 degrees. Only three of the children had a curve of similar severity, and only four children had a left convex thoracic scoliosis. In three children the curve pattern changed during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

This report of idiopathic scoliosis in a father and six children supports the present theories on a genetic origin of the disorder but also stresses the importance of dynamic processes in the development of scoliosis.