Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis presents from 10 years old onwards during puberty. The curve may deteriorate as the child grows. There is significant growth in the first 2 years of puberty. Once the child has reached his/her peak growth, the growth rate slows down in the remaining 3 years or so.

The risk of curve progression is highest when the child is skeletally immature. Curve progression closely relates to rapid growth of the child during puberty. Growth potential and curve size are important indicators of whether the curve will progress.

When the bone matures, it is less likely the curve will deteriorate. However, studies have shown that large curve magnitude of 40 degrees or over tends to progress throughout adulthood, at approximately 1 degree increase per year.

Severe curves can affect the physical appearance and compromise cardiopulmonary function of the individual, as well as contributing to cosmetic problems and negative psychosocial effects. Some patients can develop back pain with severe curves.

It was demonstrated that a curve magnitude of greater than 50 degrees may cause reduced vital capacity and more frequent shortness of breath than smaller curves. Larger and thoracic curves and greater apical vertebral rotation were some of the features found significantly associated with greater pulmonary function impairment.