Scoliosis Flashcards
Scoliosis definition
unphysiologic lateral curving from the midline
Naming curves
- the side toward the convexity of the curve is directed is designated as right or left
- describe the involve location of the curve
- describe compensatory curves
What is a structural curve?
- Fixed
- Does not correct in lateral bending or in supine
*If the curve fails to straighten out on side bending it is called a structural curve
What is a functional/compensatory curve?
- Reversible
- Disappears when lying down/bending toward the convex side
What is the most common idiopathic type of scoliosis?
Right thoracic curve
- typically upper limit T4,T5, or T6
- typically lower limit T11, T12, L1
- usually structural
Thoracolumbar Curve
- longer curve
- upper end T4, T5, T6
- lower end L2, L3, L4
Double major curves
- two structural curves of significant degree and equal magnitude
- usually right thoracic and left lumbar
Lumbar major curves
- most times to the left (65%)– think ‘L’umbar ‘L’eft
- run from T11, T12, to L5
Cervicothoracic curves
- rare
- usually to the left
Vetebral body Rotation
- Vertebral body toward the CONVEX side
- Spinous process toward the CONCAVE side
Ribs
- ribs widely separated on the convex side
- ribs close together on the concave side
Cobb Method
Method of measuring degree of scoliosis
Of untreated adult patients with childhood onset scoliosis…
The group most likely to have progression during adult life are those with curves greater than 50 degrees
An idiopathic right-thoracic left-lumbar scoliosis is characterized by…
the apex of the thoracic portion most commonly located at T7 or T8
With a compensated right dorsal with left lumbar scoliosis, the characteristic deformity is a…
prominence of right hip (pelvis) anteriorly
