To analyze and compare the Imaging findings of adult idiopathic scoliosis and degenerative scoliosis which were the most common adult scoliosis, and evaluate imaging characteristics.The radiological and clinical data of 98 case, among them, 41 cases of adult idiopathic scoliosis and 57 cases of degenerative scoliosis, were analyzed retrospectively.There were differences at presence age, sex ratio, anatomic area of scoliosis and apex between two types of adult scoliosis. The analyses and comparison between the two groups revealed significant change in the Cobb angle, involved segment and convex side orientation (all P < 0.05).Adult idiopathic scoliosis and degenerative scoliosis show distinctive imaging characteristics. These characteristics combining clinical data are decisive in diagnosis.