Definition of Scoliosis
A spinal deformity in which there is a lateral curvature in the spine greater than 10 degrees.
Congenital Scoliosis
Anomolous vertebral development
Infantile Scoliosis
onset before 3yrs old
Juvenile Scoliosis
detected between ages 3-10
Neuromuscular scoliosis
Associated with neurological or muscular diseases
Adolescent Idiopathic
Most common form, onset between 10 yrs old and after.
Curve Progression (with degrees)
AIS Symptoms (9)
Screening for Orthopedics (American Academy of orthopedics)
Girls- @ 11 and 13 yrs.
Boys-Once at 13Yrs.
Screening for orthopedics: american academy of pediatrics
Routine health visits at ages 10, 12, 14 and 16 for both girls and boys
*This mostly occurs at nurses offices in schools but that isn’t sufficient because a lot of time scoliosis gets missed; need to do further screening
History Taking of AIS (5)
Adams Bend Forward Test
1st: Bend forward at waist until spine becomes parallel to the floor while holding palms together with arms extended.
*Examine child from behind and side LOOKING FOR ASYMMETRY in the contour of the back (rib hump)
~If you see asymmetry, need to get an idea of the degree using a scoliometer (measure in cervical, thoracic, and lumbar)
~Refer anything above 7-10 degrees to orthopedics
2nd: Flexibility should also be evaluated by stabilizing the spine and asking the child to twist to both sides
Ninety percent of curves are to the right, LEFT THORACIC IS CONCERNING!!!
Diagnosing Scoliosis (primary concerns and determinants of progression)
Primary concerns: possible underlying cause and curve progression
Determinants of progression: gender, future growth potential and curve magnitude at time of diagnosis.
Evaluation of Potential Growth (4)
Cobb Angle
Determines magnitude of curve
Superior and inferior vertebrae of scoliotic curve (looking at top of curve and bottom of curve on X-RAY)
Gives definitive angle
*Use this and evaluation of growth potential to tell you how aggressive treatment should be
Treatment: Bracing (use for, goal, and when it’s worn)
Use for: Skeletally immature child, with curve > 30° -Or- Curve which increased from 10°- >25° in a short amount of time
*may brace a child that is at a later time in development if need be
Goal: prevent curve progression or until curve progression can’t be controlled
Worn: 18 – 23 hours/day (makes adherence an issue)
~Braces should be continued until growth stops
Types of Braces (7)
Treatment: Surgery (indications and 4 objectives)
Indication: Cobb Angle >45 degrees
Objectives:
Surgical Procedure
Complications of Surgery (8)
Clubfoot
*Can be diagnosed in utero or immediately after birth
Incidence of Clubfoot
1-2/1,000 live births
Clubfoot: Talipes Equinovarus
A complex deformity of the ankle and foot with:
- forefoot adduction- toes point in - midfoot supination-turns upward - hindfoot varus-heel turns inward - ankle equinus-toes point downward
Etiology of Clubfoot (6)
Exact cause is unknown
* intrauterine positioning * neuromuscular or muscle abnormality * genetic predisposition * arrested fetal development of skeletal and soft tissue * seen with congenital abnormalities * amniotic banding (premature rupture of amniotic sac causing amnions to float around in fluid and can wrap around extremities of fetus)
IDIOPATHIC CLUBFOOT: no reason why you would expect it