chapter 5: scoliosis and short leg syndrome

Question 1

scoliosis curve that is sb left is called

convexity

Answer 1

dextroscoliosis

convexity is to the right

Question 2

scoliosis curve that is sidebent R is called

convexity

Answer 2

levoscoliosis

convexity is to the left

Question 3

a spinal curve that is relatively fixed and inflexible. strctureal curve will not correct with sidebending in the opp direction. it is associated with vertebral wedgning and shortened ligaments and muscles on the concave side of the curve

Answer 3

structural curve

Question 4

a spinal curve that is flexible and can be partially or completely corrected with sidebending to the opposite side. an uncorrected functional curve may eventually progress into a structural curve

Answer 4

functional curve

Question 5

children ages __ to ___ years old be examined for scoliosis

Answer 5

10-15

Question 6

cobb method

Answer 6

draw horizontal lines from the vertebral bodies of the extreme ends of the curve

then draw perp lines from these horizontal lines and measure the acute (cobb) angle

Question 7

scoliosis severity based on cobb angle

mild
moderate
severe

Answer 7

mild: 5-15
moderate: 20-45
severe >50

Question 8

respiratory function is compromised if thoracic curve over what

Answer 8

50

Question 9

cardiovascular function is compromised if the thoracic curvature is over what

Answer 9

75

Question 10

treatment mild scoliosis

Answer 10

OMT, PT, improve flexibility and strengthen trunk and abdominal muscles

Question 11

treatment moderate scoliosis

Answer 11

mild treat with bracing

Question 12

treatment severe scoliosis

Answer 12

surgery is often indicated if there is respiratory compromise

Question 13

compensation for right short leg

sacral base
innominates 
lumbar spine
fergusons angle
stressed ligaments

Answer 13

sacral base lower on side of short leg
anterior innominate rotation on side of short leg
posterior innominate rotation on side of long leg
lumbar spine will sidebend AWAY and rotate TOWARD the side of the short leg
lumbosacral (ferguson’s) angle will increase 2-3 deg
first the iliolumbar ligs then SI ligs may become stressed

Question 14

treatment short leg syndrome

Answer 14

OMT first

if femoral head diff is > 5mm consider heel lift

Question 15

heel lift guidelines

Answer 15

final lift height should be 1/2 to 3/4 of the measured leg length discrepancy

increase 1/8 inch every 2 weeks

elderly should begin with 1/16 or 1.5mm heel lift and increase 1/16 inch every two weeks