The etiology of idiopathic scoliosis.

A multiple-factor approach to the puzzling diagnosis of idiopathic scoliosis is presented in an effort to shed some light on the ever-pervasive shadows of the unknown. Each factor, i.e., nutrition, hormonal influence, genetic tendency, and spinal mechanics, is discussed in detail and with excerpts and summaries from substantive recent literature are presented. Research in molecular chemistry, enzymes, coenzymes, genes, proteins, hormones, etc., at last is beginning to reveal secrets to those who have persevered in the laboratory. It would appear that a relatively minor deficiency in the disk collagen can cause the idiopathic scoliotic development in the spine. A nutritional deficit during the vulnerable growing years (hormonal influence) may initiate the scoliotic process, with the genetic tendency being a recessive factor. Thereafter, given the initial deficit, the spine has no choice--it must react to force, time and direction (mechanics of the spine)--and ultimately produce scoliosis.