Scoliosis Flashcards
What is scoliosis
a lateral curve of the spine that exceeds 10 degrees
s/s of scoliosis
uneven hips, uneven shoulders, curve of the spine
When is scoliosis diagnosed
infantile, juvenile, or adolescent
When is scoliosis most commonly diagnosed
adolescent
Neuromuscular scoliosis
associated with neurologic or muscular disease
Congenital
results from abnormal vertebral development
What type of scoliosis is most common
idiopathic
What systems can become compromised
respiratory and cardiovascular
Pathology of scoliosis
vertebrae rotate around a vertical axis
What is the goal of treatment
prevent progression of the curve and decrease the impact on cardiovascular and respiratory function
What can change shape because of the curve in the spine
thoracic cage
What is treatment based on
age, expected growth, and severity of curve
When are braces used as treatment
28-40 degree curves
When is surgical treatment used
> 45 degree curve
What is the physical assessment focused on
inspecting for poor posture/asymmetries, skin/motor/neuro/cardiac/respiratory assessments
