New York City-based Hospital for Special Surgery orthopedic surgeon, Han Jo Kim, MD, discussed the genetics of scoliosis, according to U.S. News & World Report Health.
Here are five thoughts:
1. Scoliosis genetic studies have linked the X chromosome and regions of chromosomes six, nine, 16 and 17 to scoliosis.
2. If people have first-degree relatives with scoliosis, they are more likely to have scoliosis, than if they have second- and third-degree relatives with scoliosis.
3. Dr. Kim explains the studies' results reinforce the genetic etiology of scoliosis, but he warns genetics isn't scoliosis' sole cause.
4. He notes scoliosis is probably a combination of genetic and neurological components as well as environment and behavioral factors.
5. Dr. Kim suggests patients who think they might have scoliosis see a spine surgeon, as it's better to catch the disease earlier.