Scoliosis CAT Flashcards
What is scoliosis?
- Lateral curvature of the spine, can be associated w/ kyphosis or lordosis
- Some rotation may or may not occur
Rotation will typically occur toward which side?
Towards the convex side of the major curve
What classification of scoliosis accounts for the majority of cases?
Idiopathic scoliosis
Age-based classification for scoliosis
- Infantile (0-3)
- Juvenile (4-puberty)
- Adolescent (12 for girls, 14 for boys)
- Adult (skeletal maturation)
Non-structural scoliosis
Reversible curve that can change w/ positioning
Structural scoliosis
- Cannot be corrected w/ posture
- Can be cause by congenital, MSK, or NM diseases
Clinical presentation for structural scoliosis
Asymmetries of the shoulders, scapulae, pelvis, and skinfolds
Clinical presentation for juvenile idiopathic scoliosis
- Thoracic curve w/ convexity towards the right, possible compensatory curves above and below
- Rib hump develops posteriorly on the thoracic spine on the side of convexity
Adolescent scoliotic curves >30 degrees are more common in boys or girls?
Girls
Scoliotic angles > ___ degrees are likely to present significant problems or impairments?
20
Labs/imaging for scoliosis
- X-ray
- Scoliometer for amount of trunk rotation
- Cobb angle to determine angle of curvature
What happens if progressive scoliosis moves to 60+ degrees?
Pulmonary insufficiency, pain, impaired lung capacity, degenerative changes
Management for patients who have <25 degrees scoliosis
- Monitored every 3 months
- Breathing and strengthening exercises
Management for patients who have 25-40 degrees scoliosis
- Requires spinal orthosis
- PT intervention for posture, flexibility, strengthening, respiratory function, and proper utilization of orthotic
Management for patients who have >40 degrees scoliosis
- Surgical spinal stabilization (posterior spinal fusion and stabilization Harrington rod)
- PT post-op
