Introduction: Breast asymmetry has been frequently noted in women with idiopathic scoliosis.

Method: A clinical study was performed in which 108 women with idiopathic scoliosis were evaluated. Age, weight, height, type of scoliosis, Cobb angle, breast measurements, and weight of tissue removed to obtain breast symmetry were recorded. Breast measurements included: 1) sternal notch to nipple, 2) mid-clavicle to nipple and 3) nipple to inframmamary fold.

Results: The mean age was 23±13, weight was 130±53 lbs., and height was 62±3 inches. Ninety-two patients had a right convex thoracic curve, with a mean Cobb angle of 31±24 degrees. Patients with a right convex thoracic curve had a smaller right breast and patients with a left convex thoracic curve had a smaller left breast. The smaller breast had measurements with a mean difference of 3±2 cm for the sternal notch to nipple, 3±3 cm for the mid-clavicle to nipple, and 2±1 cm for the nipple to inframammary fold. The mean weight of breast tissue removed from the larger breast was 150±78 grams. There was no direct correlation between the degree of breast asymmetry and the Cobb angle.

Conclusion: In women with idiopathic scoliosis the breast on the affected side is smaller.