Maturation of the vertebral ring apophysis is delayed in girls with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis compared to the normal population.

The ring apophysis maturation in AIS is delayed compared to that in the normal population and lasts longer in the mid/low thoracic spine. Delayed maturation of the spine's most important stabilizer, while the body's dimensions continue to increase, could be part of the patho-mechanism of AIS.