Scoliosis Flashcards
What is scoliosis?
Lateral curvature of the spine
What are causes of scoliosis in children?
Idiopathic
Neuromuscular
Congenital
What are causes of scoliosis after skeletal maturity?
Degenerative spondylosis
Degenerative spondylolisthesis
Osteoporosis
DDD
What are the s/s of scoliosis?
- Pain
- Radiculopathy
- Deformity
- Cardiopulmonary decompensation
Where do radiculopathy occur in scoliosis?
- Common: L4-L5
- Extensor hallicis longus weakness
What happens concerning deformity in scoliosis?
- “getting shorter”
- “developing a hump”
What is involved in cardiopulmonary decompensation?
- Not common
- Assoc with severe thoracic curves
What is observed in PE of scoliosis?
Inspection for deformity
Neuro exam
- Reflexes
- Motor and sensory function
- Lumbar nerve roots
Gait analysis
What is included in the imaging of scoliosis?
Full-length PA and lateral plain films
EMG
- Radiculopathy vs neuropathy
What is the treatment of scoliosis in immature skeleton?
Observation
Bracing
- Curves 25-45°- underarm orthosis 18-23 hrs/day
Spinal fusion
- Curves >45°
What is the treatment of scoliosis in mature skeleton?
Conservative treatment
Surgical
- Curves > 50-60°
