How is scoliosis described in medical terms?

Scoliosis is characterized by a lateral curvature of the spine, which can be described as a sideways deviation that often occurs in an "S" or "C" shape. This condition typically develops during the growth spurts of childhood or adolescence but can also occur in adults. The lateral curvature can be measured in degrees and may vary in severity from mild to severe.

In contrast, other terms like convex curvature refer to different spinal deformities, while depression or protrusion of the sternum refers to distinct chest wall anomalies such as pectus excavatum (depression) or pectus carinatum (protrusion). These conditions do not relate to the characteristic lateral curvature seen in scoliosis. Understanding the specific nature of scoliosis is essential for proper diagnosis and management.