Scoliosis

Diagnosis

Signs of scoliosis

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Mayo Clinic specialists recommend screening children for scoliosis by age 10. Scoliosis that is diagnosed early can be monitored to be sure the curve does not worsen with growth.

Physical examination

Often, a thorough physical examination is enough to detect even mild scoliosis. Mayo Clinic doctors look for:

• Uneven shoulders
• One shoulder blade that appears more prominent than the other
• Uneven waist
• One hip higher than the other
• Leaning to one side
• One leg longer than the other
• Back pain or difficulty breathing (only in rare cases of severe scoliosis)

X-ray

X-rays are usually used to diagnose scoliosis and to learn more about the spinal curve, including:

Mayo can create 3-D imaging models to guide surgeons in surgery.

• Location. The curve may occur in the upper back (thoracic), lower back (lumbar) or both areas (thoracolumbar).
• Shape. Spinal curves can develop as C- or S-shapes.
• Direction. The curve can bend to the left or right.
• Size. The curve is measured in degrees. Mild scoliosis is 11 to 20 degrees, moderate scoliosis is 21 to 40 degrees and severe scoliosis is greater than 40 degrees.