Scoliosis Flashcards
What are the 2 types of scoliosis?
Structural and functional scoliosis
Define structural scoliosis
True scoliosis
Define functional scoliosis
Spinal curve secondary to other spinal or structural problems
Example of functional scoliosis
“scoliosis” resulting from a shortened lower limb or asymmetry in paraspinal muscle tone
What is the typical scoliotic presentation?
Right thoracic curve (convex to the right) with right rib hump
What percentage of adolescent scoliosis is idiopathic?
80%
What percentage of the general population has cscoliosis?
2-3%
Of the population who has scoliosis, what percentage requires surgical correction?
0.2-0.3%
Higher risk of health problems with age when Cobb angle exceeds…at the end of growth period as well as…
Critical threshold (30-50 deg.) Cosmetic/visible deformity Disability, pain, and progressive functional limitations Decreased quality of life
Adult idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is also known as…
“Grown up kid” who had scoliosis as a child/adolescent
Adult onset scoliosis (AOS) is…
grown individuals who have never had scoliosis before but could arise spontaneously due to trauma or degeneration with aging.
Idiopathic scoliosis can be __________ or _________, _________ or ____ ___________
symptomatic or nonsymptomatic, progressive or non-progressive
What secondary problems can occur with idiopathic scoliosis?
Back pain
Neural impingement
Leg symptoms: Pain, weakness, NT
Main diagnostic criteria for scoliosis
Curve in frontal plane greater than 10 degrees as measured by an AP view x-ray
AND axial rotation is identified
What is the gold standard measurement for scoliosis?
The Cobb angle
How may the cobb angle change throughout ones life with scoliosis?
Cobb angle could remain unchanged from childhood into adulthood, or could change dramatically
How can one determine the curvature of scoliosis?
Symmetry of shoulders, scapulae, iliac crests
Pelvic tilt
Check leg length for possible discrepency
How does one determine structural vs functional scoliosis?
Notice if curvature changes or disappears in sitting or in forward flexion
Where is a scoliometer measured at?
T3-4
T5-T12
T12-L1 or L2-L3
What is the threshold for referral with a scoliometer?
7 degrees
What does 7 degrees with a scoliometer correlate with?
20 degrees coronal plane curvature
What are 3 important components for PT and childhood and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis?
Inform/educate/advise
Instruct in exercise
Monitor
What are the goals of bracing?
Control the curve, prevent progression, and avoid surgical intervention
What are the bracing parameters?
Not clear
Varying methods
Lack of consistent strength of evidence to make clear recommendations
