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What is the Risser scale

This information is for general education. If you suspect scoliosis, consult your GP or orthopaedic specialist for formal medical diagnosis.

The Risser scale is a way of estimating skeletal maturity using an X-ray of the pelvis. It looks at how much of the iliac crest (the top of the pelvic bone) has turned from cartilage into bone, which is known as ossification.

The scale goes from 0 to 5:

  • Risser 0: no ossification yet (usually earlier in growth)
  • Risser 1 to 4: progressive stages of growth during puberty
  • Risser 5: full skeletal maturity (growth has stopped)

The Risser grade is often recorded on a standard pelvic X-ray, and it may be available alongside other measurements, such as the Cobb angle.

In general:

  • Risser 1 marks the start of puberty
  • Risser 3 is around the middle of puberty
  • Risser 5 signals that growth is complete

Puberty timing varies from person to person, but as a general guide:

  • girls usually begin puberty between 11 and 12 and finish by 16 or 17.
  • boys start slightly later, around 12 or 13 and typically finish between 17 and 18.

Why it matters

If your child has scoliosis, the Risser grade can help indicate how much growth is still to come, and therefore how likely a curve is to progress.

Bracing is usually most effective while there is still growth remaining, which is why timing matters. At LOC, our orthotists use the Risser scale, alongside other orthotic assessments, to determine the best time to start bracing treatment with the LOC Scoliosis Brace.

Spotting scoliosis early

Scoliosis can develops gradually, which can make early signs easy to miss. Knowing what to look for can help you spot changes sooner. The image below highlights some common visual signs that may indicate scoliosis.

How to tell if your child has scoliosis. Look for symptoms like their head not being centred over the body, one shoulder higher than the other, leaning to one side and one hip appearing more prominent than the other.
visual signs of scoliosis

You can find out more about the visual signs of scoliosis here.

Have you or your child been diagnosed with scoliosis?

If you’re exploring non-surgical treatment for scoliosis, we’re here to support you. The LOC Scoliosis Brace is a lightweight, bespoke 3D brace designed to support in-brace correction and curve management during growth, with regular follow-ups and adjustments as needed.

Book a free online orthotic consultation with one of our orthotists to discuss the LOC Scoliosis Brace and what bracing treatment could look like for you.

Learn more about the LOC Scoliosis Brace.

A lightweight, custom 3D scoliosis brace designed to optimise in-brace correction

A bespoke brace can help reduce the risk of progression during growth and support curve management as part of a wider care plan. Our brace works by gently guiding your spine into a more corrective in-brace position, with follow-up and adjustments to support fit and comfort.

 

“LOC has been fantastic, friendly, understanding. Anna did not pull any punches about the wearing regime and gave us all the information we needed. Polly was in her brace for less than two years. LOC has provided a really incredible service.”

Zoe, Polly’s mother – Scoliosis patient (adolescent)

Get in touch for a free online orthotic consultation

We’re happy to answer any questions you might have, with no commitment to proceed with treatment.

 

020 8974 9989
  • You can book a range of assessment and review appointments online, depending on the service and location that you require. If a specific appointment type is unavailable online, please contact LOC directly on [email protected] or you can call us. Unfortunately we are unable to offer fittings on- line at the moment.

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