Effect of growth velocity on the progression of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in boys.

Growth velocities, curve magnitudes, curve patterns and Risser signs of 80 consecutive untreated boys with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis were studied retrospectively and compared with the progression velocity of the curves. Growth velocity >or=4 cm/year with curves >or=25 degrees increased progression velocity of curves significantly (P<0.001). Growth velocity was fastest at skeletal ages 12-13 years but continued moderately after the age of 16 years. The major right thoracic curves were the most progressive.