Scoliosis Research Society more than $2.6 million for spinal deformity research projects. The Scoliosis Research Society website serves as an educational resource to patients, and a professional resource for health care providers. For patients, a variety of spinal deformity topics and treatment options are explained in layman's terms, and serve as a way for patients and their families to educate themselves about an otherwise complex medical condition. The "Glossary" contains a comprehensive list of spinal terminology to help patients and their families make sense of the complex nomenclature and terms that are used in discussing spinal deformity. The "Find a Specialist" section offers
Scoliosis stops after puberty when skeletal maturity is reached, however, further curvature may proceed during late adulthood due to vertebral osteoporosis and weakened musculature. The cost of scoliosis involves both monetary losses and lifestyle limitations that increase with severity. Respiratory deficiencies may also arise from thoracic deformities and cause abnormal breathing. This directly affects exercise and work capacity, decreasing the overall quality of life. In the health care system of the United States, the average hospital cost for cases involving surgical procedures was $30,000 to $60,000 per patient in 2010. As of 2006, the cost of bracing has been published as