[Idiopathic scoliosis: epidemiology and etiology]

Authors present current knowledge about incidence and etiologic factors in idiopathic scoliosis (IS). Most data about incidence are based on screening examination in school children. Amount of patient with IS is related to the method of evaluation and experience of examiner. There is 1.9% to 3% cases in whole population if scoliosis is assumed as much as 10 degrees of Cobb angle (SRS). Etiology of IS is still in doubt despite of many investigations. There are many abnormalities in tissues but most of them probably secondary to this process. Etiology is multifactorial with dominance of inheritance. There are many genes responsible for occurrence of IS but genetic trait is still unknown.