Scoliosis most commonly affects which demographic?

Scoliosis is a condition characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine, and it most frequently affects adolescent females during their growth spurts. The reason teenage females are the demographic most impacted is due to the higher incidence of idiopathic scoliosis that typically manifests during this developmental period.

During the teenage years, particularly between ages 10 to 15, girls experience rapid growth, which may exacerbate any predisposition to spinal curvature. Research indicates that while both males and females can develop scoliosis, females are more likely to have curves that require treatment and are more severely affected. This understanding is essential for early detection and intervention, which can include monitoring, bracing, or surgical options, depending on the severity of the curve.

The other demographics, such as teenage males, young adults, and older adults, experience scoliosis at lower rates, either due to milder forms of the condition that may not progress or due to it becoming more prevalent primarily during the teenage growth period.