Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common of all known scoliosis, accounting for approximately 80% of cases. This type of scoliosis presents with normally formed vertebrae, mainly affects children and adolescents, and its main characteristic is the rapid progression of the curvature during the growth phase. It is called infantile idiopathic scoliosis if it appears between 0 and 3 years of age, juvenile idiopathic scoliosis from 4 to 10 years of age, adolescent idiopathic scoliosis from 10 to 18 years of age, and adult idiopathic scoliosis from 18 years of age.

Regarding the curvature of scoliosis, it can be single, double, triple and quadruple and depending on the degree it can be considered mild, from 10 to 20 degrees (measured by the Cobb Angle), moderate, from 20 to 40 degrees and severe, above 40 degrees.

Diagnosis is often delayed, as idiopathic scoliosis is a silent disease, which does not initially cause pain in most cases, and progresses very quickly during growth phase without being noticed. Therefore, when it is discovered, the degree of curvature may already be very advanced.

In cases of early detection, with a curvature of less than 20 degrees, it is usually recommended to wait 6 months for observation before performing a new radiological examination and, based on the results, confirming whether the curve is progressive or not. When the curvature is progressive, the curve worsens during this period and appears on the examination, causing greater harm to the person with idiopathic scoliosis. Therefore, in these cases, investigation with a 3-month interval may be more appropriate.

Idiopathic scoliosis is a condition of unknown cause and treatment has limitations. Conservative treatment with specialized physiotherapy and the use of a brace has achieved good results in most cases, in addition to preserving spinal mobility.

Surgical treatment, in turn, can achieve immediate complete correction of scoliosis depending on the degree of curvature and is indicated for those cases in which the curvature exceeds 50° and does not respond well to conservative treatment. However, surgery brings with it the inconvenience of permanently limiting the mobility of the spine as a whole, in addition to complications that sometimes occur over the years. Even with post-surgical limitations, surgery is still the best solution for severe cases.

Early detection, associated with immediate conservative treatment in specialized scoliosis centers, is essential to achieve a satisfactory result and avoid surgical treatment for most patients.