Kyphoscoliosis Flashcards
What is kyphoscoliosis?
A combination of two thoracic deformities that appear together
What is Scoliosis?
S or C shape , curve of the spine to one side
What is Kyphosis?
Humpback. A posterior Curvature of the spine
What are the anatomic alterations of the lungs with kyphoscoliosis?
atelectasis
lung restriction & compression
mediastinal shift
mucous accumulation throughout the tracheobronchial tree
What is congenital scoliosis?
A formation of the spine or fused ribs during fetal development
What is neuromuscular scoliosis?
Poor muscle control, muscle weakness, or paralysis
EX. muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, poliomyelitis, cerebral palsy
What is idiopathic scoliosis?
Unknown cause. Appears in a normal spine
What are some risk factors?
Age - the younger the child is when the diagnosis is first made, the greater the chance of progression
Sex - girls are more likely
Angle of the curve - the greater the curve, the greater the risk
Location - upper spine more likely
Height - taller people are more at risk
Spinal problems @ birth
How is scoliosis diagnosed?
shape
location
direction
angle - Cobb angle
What are causes of kyphosis?
- degenerative - arthritis or disk degeneration
- fractures caused by osteoporosis
- slipping of one vertebrae forward on another
What would you see in a physical exam?
Increased HR, RR, BP cyanosis digital clubbing peripheral edema & venous distention cough/sputum production
What will be seen during a chest assessment?
Tracheal shift Obvious thoracic deformity Increased tactile & vocal fremitus Dull percussion note Bronchial BS Whispered pectoriloquy Crackles and wheezing
What will be seen on a chest x-ray?
Thoracic deformity Mediastinal shift Increased lung opacity Atelectasis in compressed areas Enlarged heart (cor pulmonale)
What needs to be done if the curve is less than 20 degrees?
Observation
3 - 6 month intervals
What needs to be done if the curve is 25 - 30 degrees in a growing child?
Braces:
Boston brace
Charleston bending brace
Milwaukee brace
