# What Are the Most Common Types of Scoliosis?

[AIS,](/resources/tag/ais) [Scoliosis](/resources/tag/scoliosis) 

How many types of scoliosis can you name? The most common form is [Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis](https://spinaltech.com/resources/orthotic-management-of-adolescent-idiopathic-scoliosis)(AIS) which is diagnosed in 2-5% of all children and there still remains to be no known cause. You can refer to all of our published materials [about AIS here](https://spinaltech.com/resources/tag/ais).

The other types of scoliosis are:

**1. Neuromuscular Scoliosis**

*Neuromuscular scoliosis is an irregular spinal curvature caused by disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and muscular system. Nerves and muscles are unable to maintain appropriate balance / alignment of the spine and trunk. - [Scoliosis Research Society](https://www.srs.org/patients-and-families/conditions-and-treatments/parents/scoliosis/neuromuscular-scoliosis)*

The common conditions that can lead to neuromuscular scoliosis developing are:

- Marfan syndrome
- Muscular dystrophy
- Cerebral palsy
- Spina bifida

**2. Congenital Scoliosis**

*Congenital scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that babies are born with. Of the three main types of scoliosis, **congenital scoliosis** is the least common, affecting about 1 in 10,000 newborns. - [Boston Children's Hospital](https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions/congenital-scoliosis)*

There is also no known cause. The common distinctions of congenital scoliosis are:

- Improper formation of vertebrae
- Improper separation of vertebrae

Image Source: SRS.org**3. Adult de Novo Scoliosis**

*De novo scoliosis is a sideways spinal curve that appears in adulthood. The difference between de novo scoliosis and degenerative scoliosis is that de novo scoliosis affects patients who have **never had scoliosis in the past**. -[Scoliosis SOS Clinic](https://www.scoliosissos.com/blog/de-novo-scoliosis-what-you-need-to-know/)*

Even when adults have not had any indication of scoliosis as adolescents, they can still develop scoliosis as an adult for a variety of reasons. The majority of these types are caused by deterioration of the spine as a result of natural aging. However, there are also other causes that can lead to adult scoliosis:

- Degenerative
- Traumatic
- Pathological
- Idiopathic

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#####  [Harnessing Collective Expertise: A Deep Dive into the Scoliosis Treatment Team](https://spinaltech.com/resources/a-deep-dive-into-the-scoliosis-treatment-team) 

#####  [A Patient's Guide to Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Surgery](https://spinaltech.com/resources/a-patients-guide-to-adolescent-idiopathic-scoliosis-surgery)