Scoliosis is characterized by which curvature?

• A. Forward bending of the spine
• B. Abnormal lateral curvature of the spine
• C. Excessive outward curvature of the thoracic spine
• D. Rotational curvature only

Answer: (B)

Scoliosis involves an abnormal sideways bend of the spine, a lateral curvature seen in the coronal plane, and it often comes with rotation of the vertebrae that can make a rib hump on one side. This is why the description of an abnormal lateral curvature best fits. Forward bending is just flexion, not the structural sideways bend. An excessive outward thoracic curve describes kyphosis, not scoliosis. Rotation often accompanies scoliosis but isn’t the sole feature, so it isn’t described as “rotation only.”