scoliosis
n. uncountablen. a medical condition where the spine curves to the side instead of being straight. It is often found in children and teenagers during their growth years.
n. a medical condition characterized by an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine. Often detected during adolescence, it can range from a mild cosmetic issue to a severe structural deformity requiring surgical intervention.
The doctor checked the child for scoliosis during the school health exam.
Early detection of scoliosis is crucial because the condition can worsen rapidly during periods of rapid growth.
While mild cases of scoliosis may only require periodic monitoring, more severe spinal deviations often necessitate the use of a corrective brace or, in extreme instances, surgical realignment.
From Latin scoliosis, from Ancient Greek σκολίωσις (skolíōsis, “twisting; torsion”).