Scoliosis Flashcards
Scoliosis
Refers to deformity of the spine involving the lateral curvature and vertebral rotation
3 Classifications of Scoliosis based on Etiology
- Non Structural
- Transient Structural
- Structural Scoliosis
Non-Structural
Flexible reversible (minor) curvature with minimal rotation
Curve will spontaneously correct with side bending towards the convexity of curve or when patient is supine
Examples:
Compensatory curves caused by LLD
Habitual poor posture or those curves above or below major curves
Transient Structural Scoliosis
Reversible type of curvature which appears structural but will spontaneously correct when the underlying cause has been corrected
Example curves caused by pain or muscle spasm from sciatica, inflammation, or trauma
Structural Scoliosis
Irreversible (major) curvature with marked rotation
Does not correct with side bending or removal of gravity
3 types
- Idiopathic
- Congenital
- Neuromuscular
Idiopathic structural scoliosis
Unknown specific cause with probable genetic origins. Accounts for approximately 80% of all braced scoliosis.
Congenital structural scoliosis
Skeletal deformities such as hemi vertebra or failed segmentation (not braced)
Neuromuscular structural scoliosis
Neuropathic forms such as cerebral palsy or polio, myopathic forms such as DMD (usually accommodated, braced to allow for improved sitting position in chair)
Classes of Idiopathic Scoliosis
Infantile (10 years, chance of occurrence 2 years post menarche is minimal)
Infantile IS
<2 years Rare Affects M=F Left thoracic most common Some resolve spontaneously Rib vertebral angle less than 20 degrees is predictive of resolution Treated with serial cast or brace
Junvenile IS
<10 years
Mild precursor to AIS
Associated with Arnold Chiari Malformation (15% of cases)
Brace if curvature is greater than 20 degrees
Adolescent IS
> 10 years, chance of occurrence 2 years post menarche is minimal
80% female
Often seems like it occurred overnight
Usually brace between 20-45 degrees
Beyond 45 degrees, bracing ineffective, surgery is indicated
Common Idiopathic Curvatures
Curve patterns fall in to 4 distinct patterns
- Thoracic
- Thoracolumbar
- Lumbar Curve
- Double Major Curve
Thoracic Curvature
Major structural curve
Usually to the right, with minor compensatory curves occurring above and below
Apex above T10
Thoracolumbar
Longer structural curve
Either left or right with minor compensatory curves above or below
Apex between T10-L2
Lumbar Curve
Major structural curve, usually to the left
Thoracic compensatory curve remains flexible
Apex L2 or lower
Double Major Curve
Major Lumbar Curve, usually left
Major thoracic curve usually right
Usually well compensated and balanced
Initial Manifestations of Scoliosis
Ribs on convex side of the curavture are pushed posterior and begin to separate
Ribs on concave side of the curve are pushed anterior and are compressed together
Secondary Changes
Disc Spaces become narrower and wedging of the vertebra toward the concave side
The pedicles and lamina become shorter and thinner on the concave side
The spinal canal narrows toward the concave side
Vertebral body distortion toward convex side
Once secondary pathologic changes set in
Curve and rotation will become more rigid and harder to correct
Secondary changes will turn minor non structural compensatory curve into a structural one
Tendency for increase in lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis associated with scoliotic deformities