[Contractures and growth disturbances in the hip and pelvis as the cause of "idiopathic scoliosis". Biomechanical considerations].

Author's own observations on etiology of "idiopathic scoliosis" in children and adolescents are presented. Abduction or flexion-abduction contracture of the hip, mainly right one, is the chief cause of "idiopathic scoliosis". Scoliosis is the final deformity in the chain of malformations commencing in newborns and infants, known as "contracture syndrome". This condition is described by many authors, Mau and Green-Griffin were the first ones. Adduction contracture of the left hip leads to secondary dysplasia of this joint. Coexisting abduction contracture of the right hip is usually neglected. Insufficient adduction in the right hip in extension causes functional elongation of the right extremity and oblique positioning of the pelvis, thus initiating left hand side lumbar, thoraco-lumbar or lumbo-sacral scoliosis. As the next step thoracic scoliosis develops. Early and late clinical and radiographic symptoms are presented, prophylactics and treatment is discussed.