Scoliosis Flashcards
Scoliosis
Refers to deformity of the spine involving the lateral curvature and vertebral rotation
3 Classifications of Scoliosis based on Etiology
- Non Structural2. Transient Structural3. Structural Scoliosis
Non-Structural
Flexible reversible (minor) curvature with minimal rotationCurve will spontaneously correct with side bending towards the convexity of curve or when patient is supineExamples: Compensatory curves caused by LLDHabitual 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 correctedExample curves caused by pain or muscle spasm from sciatica, inflammation, or trauma
Structural Scoliosis
Irreversible (major) curvature with marked rotationDoes not correct with side bending or removal of gravity3 types1. Idiopathic 2. Congenital 3. 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 yearsRareAffects M=FLeft thoracic most commonSome resolve spontaneouslyRib vertebral angle less than 20 degrees is predictive of resolutionTreated with serial cast or brace
Junvenile IS
<10 yearsMild precursor to AISAssociated 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 minimal80% femaleOften seems like it occurred overnightUsually brace between 20-45 degreesBeyond 45 degrees, bracing ineffective, surgery is indicated
Common Idiopathic Curvatures
Curve patterns fall in to 4 distinct patterns1. Thoracic2. Thoracolumbar3. Lumbar Curve4. Double Major Curve
Thoracic Curvature
Major structural curveUsually to the right, with minor compensatory curves occurring above and below Apex above T10
Thoracolumbar
Longer structural curveEither left or right with minor compensatory curves above or below Apex between T10-L2
Lumbar Curve
Major structural curve, usually to the leftThoracic compensatory curve remains flexible Apex L2 or lower
Double Major Curve
Major Lumbar Curve, usually leftMajor thoracic curve usually rightUsually well compensated and balanced
Initial Manifestations of Scoliosis
Ribs on convex side of the curavture are pushed posterior and begin to separateRibs 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 sideThe pedicles and lamina become shorter and thinner on the concave sideThe spinal canal narrows toward the concave sideVertebral body distortion toward convex side
Once secondary pathologic changes set in
Curve and rotation will become more rigid and harder to correctSecondary changes will turn minor non structural compensatory curve into a structural oneTendency for increase in lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis associated with scoliotic deformities