Which statement best describes functional scoliosis compared with structural scoliosis?

• A. Functional scoliosis is posture-related and reversible; structural scoliosis is fixed with vertebral rotation and wedging
• B. Structural scoliosis is fixed with vertebral rotation and wedging
• C. Functional scoliosis is always accompanied by leg length discrepancy
• D. Structural scoliosis is posture-related and reversible

Answer: (A)

Functional scoliosis is a reversible, posture-related curve caused by factors outside the spine itself, such as muscle imbalance or leg-length differences. The key idea is that eliminate the underlying cause or change posture, and the curve typically disappears. Structural scoliosis, on the other hand, is a true deformity of the spine where the vertebrae are rotated and wedged; this curve is fixed and does not correct with simple positional changes. So the best description contrasts reversibility and posture-related origin for functional scoliosis with a fixed, vertebral deformity for structural scoliosis.