Question

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) has been diagnosed in a 12-year-old girl. The nurse working with the family discusses the difference between this type of scoliosis and the congenital form. The main difference is:

1) AIS has the S-shaped curve and congenital scoliosis does not.
2) AIS is seen in children over the age of 9, and congenital scoliosis is usually seen before the age of 6 months.
3) AIS is the most common type, and congenital scoliosis is usually caused by environmental agents, such as alcohol exposure in utero.
4) AIS tends to affect more girls, and congenital usually affects more boys.

Answer 1

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) typically develops in children over the age of 9, is most common in girls, and its cause is usually unknown, whereas congenital scoliosis is evident before the age of 6 months and arises from vertebral malformations during fetal development.

Step-by-step explanation:

The main difference between Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) and congenital scoliosis is that AIS is typically diagnosed in children over the age of 9 while congenital scoliosis is usually detected before the age of 6 months. AIS is the most common type of scoliosis and does not necessarily feature an S-shaped curve distinct from congenital scoliosis. The question regarding gender is a misconception because both conditions can affect either gender. However, AIS does tend to be more prevalent in girls. Congenital scoliosis often arises from malformations of the vertebrae during fetal development rather than from environmental factors or alcohol exposure in utero.