1b - Scoliosis Flashcards
When to say this patient has scoliosis? Define scoliosis ππ
π‘ The Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) has defined a medically significant frontal plane curve (scoliosis) as any curve which is greater or equal to 10 degrees, with or without a rotatory component.
Spinal deformity characterized by
- Lateral curvatures >10 degrees in PA film
- Cobb angle: angle formed by the perpendicular lines drawn from the endplates of the most tilted proximal and distal vertebrae to measure the scoliotic curve
- Vertebral rotation
- Grading: 0 (no rotation) to 4 (complete pedicle rotation out of view)
Why not CT or MRI?
- Neither CT nor MRI is able to assess the impact of gravity on a curve, since both studies are done in a supine position.
Important Notes
- Correlation with discomfort is unclear, but low back pain is usually the initial symptom.
- It is related to curve severity and usually begins at the convexity
Cuccurollo 4th Edition Chapter 4 MSK pg302
DeLisa 5th Edition Chapter 34 Scoliosis
Scoliosis in PA Xray. ππ Dr. Jamal
List 4 measurements used in PA film
List 4 methods to measure vertebral rotation
PA VIEW
- Cobb angle
- Coronal balance
- Positive balance: the plumb line passes to the right of the midline, by >2 cm
- Neutral balance: the plumb line passes within 2 cm of the midline
- Negative balance: the plumb line passes to the left of the midline, by >2 cm
- Pelvic tilt
LATERAL ERECT VIEW
- Sagittal balance
- To identify spondylolisthesis, the degree of kyphosis/lordosis
LATERAL FLEXION/BENDING VIEW
- Assesses the range of motion of the spine
https://radiopaedia.org/articles/scoliosis
https://radiopaedia.org/cases/scoliosis-important-lines-and-angles
Pattern of scoliosis.
- ThoRacic curve
- Right thoracic curve: Most common, aspex at T7 or T8
- Left thoracic curve: Associated with spinal cord abnormalities
- Lumbar curveL: Left lumbar curves are greater than right lumbar curves
- Double major curve: Right thoracic with a Left lumbar curve
- ThoRacolumbar curve: Rib and flank distortion
Cuccurollo 4th Edition Chapter 4 MSK pg303
List 4 Causes of Non-Structural / Functional Scoliosis & Prognosis. ππ
CAUSES
Spine
- Herniated disk (unilateral)
- Spondylolisthesis
- Trauma
- Paraspinal strain
- Postural
Hip & Pelvis
- Arthritis
- Pelvic Obliquity
- Hip disease
- Muscle spasm
Legs
- Leg-length discrepancy
PROGNOSIS
- Resolves with correction of underlying cause
- No significant vertebral body rotation
- Scoliosis is reversible.
Cuccurollo 4th Edition Chapter 4 MSK
Cuccurollo 4th Edition Chapter 10 Peds pg750
Michael A. Alexander Pediatric Rehabilitation - 5th Edition Chapter 10 Ortho & MSK
List 3 Types of Idiopathic Scoliosis ππ
Incidence - Onset - Associations - Rule Out
Cuccurollo 4th Edition Chapter 10 Peds MSK
Michael A. Alexander Pediatric Rehabilitation - 5th Edition Chapter 10 Ortho & MSK
DeLisa 5th Edition Chapter 34 Scoliosis
List 8 Neuromuscular Causes of Scoliosis. ππ
UMN LESION
- Brain: Cerebral palsy
- Spine: Syringomyelia, Spina bifida, Spinal cord trauma or tumor, Friedreichβs Ataxia (Spinocerebellar + Lateral Corticospinal + Dorsal Column)
LMN LESION (MND & AHC)
- MND: Poliomyelitis, SMA, ALS
- Peripheral Nerve: Charcot-Marie-Tooth
MYOPATHIC
- Muscular dystrophy (Duchenne, Limb-girdle, Facioscapulohumeral)
Delisa 5th Edition Chapter 34 Scoliosis pg894 Table 34.3
Neuromuscular Conditions with Scoliosis
What is the most important risk factor for scoliosis progressing? ππ
Prognosis & Treatment of NMSK Scoliosis π
NEUROMUSCULAR SCOLIOSIS
π‘ Scoliosis is uncommon in children who are able to walk
Causes
- Brain: Cerebral Palsy
- Spinal Cord : Spina bifida, Spinal cord injury
- Anterior Horn Cell: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
- Myopathy: Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Risk Factors
- Non-Ambulation
- CP Spastic Quadriplegic who is unable to stand or walk
- Spina Bifida with thoracolumbar lesion who is unable to stand or walk
- Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) once become full-time wheelchair
Prognosis β Progressive Weakness & Deformity
- Aggressive progression
- Less responsive to bracing
- Progress after maturity
- Associated pulmonary, cardiac and spinal cord complications
- Risk for contractures, hip dislocations, sensory abnormalities, and pressure ulcers.
Bracing
- Neurologic, pulmonary, cardiac, or gastrointestinal comorbidities impact the childβs ability to wear spinal orthosis
- Often, a softer foam orthosis, rather than one of rigid orthoplast, will be more tolerable to the patient and have less adverse impact on pulmonary function.
- Orthosis may improve trunk control, sitting, and head position, and serve a functional purpose.
Cuccurollo 4th Edition Chapter 4 MSK pg303
Cuccurollo 4th Edition Chapter 10 Peds pg749-750
Michael A. Alexander Pediatric Rehabilitation - 5th Edition Chapter 10 Ortho & MSK
Patient with myelomeningocele, rapid progression of scoliosis. List 2 causes. ππ EXAM
MRIs should be obtained
- Tethered cord
- Worsening hydrocephalus, or hydromyelia
- Spinal cord syrinx
- Spinal fracture
- Intraspinal tumors
Michael A. Alexander Pediatric Rehabilitation - 5th Edition Chapter 10 Ortho & MSK
Why Duchenne muscular dystrophy are at higher risk of scoliosis progression?
How do you manage scoliosis in DMD? π π
Scoliosis in DMD
- Due to muscular dystrophy and weakness
Progression
- Rate of 8 degrees per year before maturity
- Rate of 1.5 degrees per year even after maturity
Treatment
- STEROID: The use of oral steroids slow the decline in muscle strength and delays nonambulatory status
- SURGERY:
- As early as curves of 20 to 30 degrees
- To be done with a forced vital capacity [FVC] > 35% to maximize pulmonary status
- Early surgical intervention shows higher benefits & better outcome
- Improve seating and respiratory function early on.
Michael A. Alexander Pediatric Rehabilitation - 5th Edition Chapter 10 Ortho & MSK
Patient with Duchenne muscular dystrophy with curve >50 degrees planned for surgical fixation.
List 4 Factors negatively affecting the post-op outcomes. π
- Limited respiratory reserve (FVC < 35%)
- Reduced bone quality
- More rigid curve
- Advancing age
- Impaired skin integrity
Michael A. Alexander Pediatric Rehabilitation - 5th Edition Chapter 10 Ortho & MSK
Rule of bracing in neuromuscular scoliosis. ππ
π‘ Softer foam orthosis, rather than one of rigid orthoplast, will be more tolerable to the patient and have less adverse impact on pulmonary function.
- Improve trunk control
- Improve sitting
- Improve head position
- Serve a functional purpose
Michael A. Alexander Pediatric Rehabilitation - 5th Edition Chapter 10 Ortho & MSK
List subtypes of Congenital Scoliosis π
Most important screening test. ππ Dr. Haitham
Prognosis & Treatment π
CLOSED CONGENITAL SCOLIOSIS
- Failure of formation β can present as torticollis
- Wedged vertebra : partial unilateral failure of formation
- Hemivertebra : complete unilateral failure of formation
- Failure of segmentation
- Block vertebrae : bilateral failure of segmentation
- Congenital bar : unilateral failure of segmentation
OPEN CONGENITAL SCOLIOSIS
- Conditions: Myelomeningocele, Meningocele
- Progressive tendency
- Required early surgery before spinal rigidity or secondary pulmonary deficiencies occur
ASSOCIATIONS
- Cardiac, renal, and gastrointestinal systems share the same origin βmesoderm cellsβ
- Abnormalities of the trachea, esophagus, renal tract, gastrointestinal tract, lungs, heart, radius, ear, lip, and palate often accompany congenital scoliosis.
SCREEN FOR
- Congenital urinary abnormality: unilateral renal agenesis.
TREATMENT = NMSK Scoliosis
- Orthoses are ineffective
- Maintaining cardiovascular health and endurance
- Surgical intervention at an early age, before spinal rigidity or secondary pulmonary deficiencies occur
Cuccurollo 4th Edition Chapter 4 MSK pg302
Cuccurollo 4th Edition Chapter 10 Peds pg749
Michael A. Alexander Pediatric Rehabilitation - 5th Edition Chapter 10 Ortho & MSK
List 3 Causes of Acquired Scoliosis
- Degenerative scoliosis (Senile)
- Degenerative Posttraumatic (fracture)
- Overuse (repetitive microtrauma)
Cuccurollo 4th Edition Chapter 10 Peds pg750
List 2 Connective Tissue Disease Causing Scoliosis
- EhlersβDanlos
- Chondrodysplasia
- Marfanβs
Cuccurollo 4th Edition Chapter 10 Peds pg750
Red flags for Scoliosis ππ
- SCI: Muscle weakness, Bowel, and bladder changes
- TUMOR: Unintentional weight loss, Pain
- WORSEN: Rapid curve progression (Syrinx or tethered cord)
- FRACTURE: Recent trauma
Michael A. Alexander Pediatric Rehabilitation - 5th Edition Chapter 10 Ortho & MSK