Scoliosis Flashcards
What is scoliosis
Lateral C or S-shaped curve of vertebrae
What is congenital scoliosis
disturbances in vertebral development during the 6-8 weeks
What is the pathophysiology of scoliosis
Curve of vertebrae causes muscles & ligaments to be shorter on concave side
What is neuromuscular scoliosis characterized by
long, C-shaped curve from the cervical to the sacral region, seen in kids with cerebral palsy
What is idiopathic scoliosis
Structural spinal curvature for which no cause has been established
What age does idiopathic scoliosis usually appear
Mainly 10 years old, but could be any age
What does the curve (degrees) have to be to determine if someone has scoliosis
10 degrees
What is the most common curve
Right thoracic curve
What are signs of scoliosis
Uneven shoulder, prominent hip, or projecting scapula, misalignment of spinous process, asymmetry of the flanks, asymmetry of thoracic cage, rib hump with forward flexion, lack of flexibility
What are complications with scoliosis
SOB, diminished chest expansion, GI disturbances from crowding of the organs, mild backache
What are the three determinants of progression?
Gender, curve magnitude during diagnosis, and skeletal growth potential
Who is more likely to progress?
Girls, 10x more likely
Who is allowed to be given a brace?
those with 30-40 degrees curvature
Who is most likely to be treated with surgery
Those with 40-45 degrees curvature
What is the pathophysiology of scoliosis
Curve of vertebrae causes muscles & ligaments to be shorter on concave side
