Scoliosis after termination of vertebral growth

A follow-up study of 34 cases shows that scoliosis after termination of vertebral growth is commonly a progressive condition. In the increase of scoliosis disc degeneration is the most important single factor. Further increase may result from lateral subluxation of the vertebra. Once disc degeneration is initiated further increase is inevitable. The results of the study also suggest that change in the disc is possibly more closely related to the nutritional and metabolic condition of the individual than to any other factor.