Adolescent scoliosis: understanding the risk of progression
If your child has recently been diagnosed with scoliosis, you’re probably wondering whether their spinal curve will get worse, especially if they haven’t finished growing yet.
The good news is that the risk of progression can be discussed using well-established clinical methods. Research has shown that certain factors like the size of the curve and how much growth a child has left can help predict whether scoliosis is likely to worsen.
How do we predict scoliosis progression?
Every child develops at a different pace, so their age alone doesn’t determine their risk. Instead, medical teams look at a combination of factors, including:
- Your child’s age
- Skeletal maturity (Risser sign): a scale from 0 to 5 that helps assess how much growth remains. A Risser 0 means there’s still a lot of growth to come, while a Risser 5 means skeletal maturity has been reached.
- Cobb angle: A measurement of the spinal curve, taken from X-rays.
By combining these factors, a specialist can discuss how likely it is that the curve will worsen.
How can LOC help?
If you are considering bracing, our orthotic team can review the measurements you already have from your medical team (for example Cobb angle and Risser sign) to advise on orthotic options, brace suitability, and what follow-up usually involves.
If you do not have scans or measurements yet, that’s OK. We can talk you through the usual next steps and what information is helpful to bring from your GP or specialist, and explain the orthotic options that may be available if bracing is appropriate.
What happens next?
If you’re considering bracing, you can book a free online orthotic consultation with an orthotist. We can talk through your child’s measurements (from your medical report), explain what they may mean for brace suitability, and outline what follow-up usually involves.
If you have concerns about progression risk, your GP or specialist team can advise. We can then support you with orthotic options alongside medical care, where bracing is appropriate.
- Please note: This information is for general education and should not replace medical advice from a consultant or specialist.
Click here to find out more about LOC’s non-surgical scoliosis treatment