Scoliosis Flashcards
How many people in the US are affected by scoliosis?
5-7 million
During what age range does scoliosis most commonly develop?
10-15
What is the gender bias associated with scoliosis?
Females
Can scoliosis be hereditary?
Yes
How large of a curve is necessary to be indicative of scoliosis?
Greater than 10 degrees
What is a lateral curvature of the spine that is less than 10 degrees called?
Postural change
What kind of scoliosis is the most common?
Right thoracic
What is the cause of more than 80% of scoliosis cases?
Idiopathic
What type of scoliosis is most likely to benefit from chiropractic treatment?
Functional scoliosis (postural problem)
What type of scoliosis is least likely to benefit from chiropractic treatment?
Structural scoliosis (bony distortion)
How can scoliosis decreased the quality of life?
Pain
Decreased activity, lung and heart function, and self-esteem
80% of people with scoliosis have curves less than what amount?
20 degrees (usually not detectable to the untrained eye)
At what age can mild curvatures progress quite rapidly by 10 degrees or more?
Growing childhood or adolescence
What population is at the highest risk for requiring treatment for scoliosis?
Young girls who have scoliosis of greater than 25 degrees but who have not yet had their first menstrual period
What is the male to female ratio of scoliosis curves less than 10 degrees? Greater than 30 degrees?
Less than 10 = equal
Greater than 30 = 10:1 females
What is the scale used to evaluate scoliosis curve growth potential?
Risser grade (0-4)
What are the levels for Risser grades?
1 = 25% ossified 2 = 50% ossified 3 = 75% ossified 4 = 100% ossified 5 = skeletal maturity
What is the difference between level 4 of 100% ossification and level 5 of skeletal maturity on the Risser grade scale?
Secondary ossification occurs during puberty, but fusion occurs around 25-30 years of age
Is back pain significantly higher in patients with scoliosis?
No
Psychological illness is present in females with scoliosis at what curve degree?
Greater than 40 degrees (19%)
At what scoliotic curve degree do life-threatening effects on pulmonary function occur?
Greater than 100 degrees
What is the most common treatment option for scoliosis?
Careful observation (most cases do not progress or cause problems)
What are the three treatment options for scoliosis?
1 Careful observation
2 Bracing
3 Surgery
Bracing as a treatment for scoliosis is generally reserved for what population?
Kids who have no reached skeletal maturity and have curves between 25-45 degrees
When is surgery recommended as a treatment for scoliosis?
When curves are greater than 45 degrees AND progressive OR when scoliosis affects function of heart, lungs, or vital organs
What is the current research involved scoliosis and chiropractic care?
No treatment alone has been shown consistently to reduce scoliosis, but chiropractic has not been shown to worsen the patient
Why have standard scoliosis screenings at schools diminished compared to previous years?
Many unnecessary referrals of adolescents with minimal curvatures
What is the name of the test used to examine for scoliosis where the patient is asked to lean forward and bend 90 degrees at the waist with his or her feet together?
Adam’s forward bend test
What are some signs of scoliosis?
1 prominent shoulder blade 2 shoulders different heights 3 one raise, prominent hip 4 rib cages different heights 5 uneven waist 6 changes in skin overlying spine 7 body lean to one side
What method is used to identify scoliosis on X-ray using intersecting lines drawn perpendicular to the top of the superior vertebrae and bottom of the inferior vertebrae of the curve?
Cobb method
What is the most common brace used as treatment for scoliosis?
Boston brace (thoraco-lumbar-sacral orthosis)
What is the name of the brace for scoliosis that is similar to the Boston brace but also has a neck ring?
Milwaukee brace (CTLSO)
What is the success rate of brace treatment for scoliosis for halting curve progression?
74%
Scoliosis braces are usually worn until the patient reaches what Risser grade?
4 or 5
How many hours per day must a brace for scoliosis be worn to lead to the best change of preventing curve progression?
16
Curve of what degree in growing children require a spinal fusion as therapy?
Greater than 40 degrees
A patient with scoliosis is considered a surgical candidate when they have reached what degree of curvature?
45 degrees
What is the negative visible sign after spinal surgery for scoliosis?
Loss of kyphosis and/or lumbar lordosis (flat back syndrome)
Usually 5-7 years post scoliosis corrective surgery, between 1/5-1/3 of patients will experience what symptoms?
Low back pain
In the later years following corrective surgery for scoliosis, what difficulty can occur?
Discs may collapse making it difficult to stand erect
What is the typical recovery time following scoliosis corrective surgery?
Out of hospital in 4-5 days, back at school/work in 2 weeks
Can those who have had corrective surgery for scoliosis return to play sports?
Yes, after 9-12 months (contact sports should be avoided)
Will the majority of those with scoliosis require medical intervention?
No (90% will not)
