Scoliosis (Quiz 1/Test 1) Flashcards
define curves
normal spinal deviations from straight (4 curves are considered normal)
define curvature
abnormal deviations from normal spinal architecture
What are the boundaries of the cervical curve?
occiput to superior epiphysis of T1
Is the cervical curve convex on the anterior or posterior aspect?
anterior aspect
What spinal curves are mobile and flexible?
cervical, thoracic, lumbar
What are the boundaries of the thoracic curve?
T1 to superior epiphysis of T12
Is the thoracic curve convex on the anterior or posterior aspect?
posterior aspect
What are the boundaries of the lumbar curve?
T12 to superior epiphysis of S1
Is the lumbar curve convex on the anterior or posterior aspect?
anterior aspect
What are the boundaries of the sacrococcygeal curve?
S1 to Cx5
Is the sacrococcygeal curve convex on the anterior or posterior aspect?
posterior aspect
What curve is immobile/solid bone?
sacrococcygeal curve
What are the 2 convex posterior curves?
thoracic and sacrococcygeal curves (primary/accommodation curves)
What are the 2 convex anterior curves?
cervical and lumbar curves (secondary/compensation curves)
When do primary/accommodation curves develop?
in fetal spine/development
-accommodates fetus and uterus, and thoracic/pelvic viscera
aka this is also called kyphotic curves
-kypho= bent forward
When do secondary/compensation curves develop?
after birth due to gravity and posture
-cervical spine begins development during first 6 months when baby raises head up
-posterior extensor muscles mature by 1 y/o and pelvis will extend/femurs turn inward
-lumbar curve develops last
-8-12 months crawling sags the spine
-12-18 months toddler is walking
-fully developed 6-8 years old
-compensation curves help develop posture, aka also called lordotic curves (lordo= bent backward)
Are AP curves in the coronal plane normal?
no, normal is bilateral symmetry, there can only be slight physiologic upper thoracic curve
What are the causes of AP curves in the coronal plane?
-heart mass = right push
-right handed= right pull (mild right convexity)
define lordosis
abnormally bent backwards
Where is lordosis commonly found?
most likely in cervical spine, but lumbar lordosis (swayback) is also common
What is an exaggeration of a normal lordotic curve called?
hyperlordotic
What is a decreased lordotic curve called?
hypolordotic
What is a reversed lordotic curve called?
frank kyphosis
define kyphosis
abnormally bent forward
Where is kyphosis usually seen?
thoracic spine but can also be seen in sacral spine
What is an exaggeration of a kyphotic curve called?
hyperkyphotic curvature
What is a decreased kyphotic curve called?
hypokyphotic curve
What is a reversed kyphotic curve called?
frank lordosis
define scoliosis
lateral deviation of 3+ segments from the midline
define misalignment
lateral deviation of 1-2 segments
What is rotatory scoliosis?
-spinouses rotate into the concavity of the curvature
-most common type of scoliosis (85% of cases)
-normal rotatory mechanism (NRM) being expressed
What is the most common type of scoliosis?
rotatory scoliosis
What is severe rotatory scoliosis?
-spinouses appear extremely rotated into the concavity
-concave side muscle spasm exaggerates normal rotatory mechanism
-acutely painful
-relaxes into a rotatory scoliosis
What is simple scoliosis?
-spinouses appear unrotated
-convex side muscle spasm (painful) overcomes normal rotatory mechanism
-unrotated appearance called “simple”
-more complex than rotatory scoliosis (ironically)
-acute, temporary, rare
-relaxes into a rotatory scoliosis
What is a severe simple scoliosis?
-spinouses rotate into the convexity
-severe convex side muscle spasm reverses normal rotatory mechanism
-acutely painful
-temporary, very rare
-relaxes into a simple scoliosis
What is a scoliosis called if it is convex to the left?
levoscoliosis
What is a scoliosis called if it is convex to the right?
dextroscoliosis
What are some causes of scoliosis?
-spinal column must be balanced, any asymmetrical force will bend spine and body compensates (spine recurved towards midline)
-trauma (broken leg results in short femur)
-congenital deformity (hemivertebra)
-occupational (mail carrier)
-antalgic posture (away from pain)
-subluxation (C1 produces unlevel head, CNS corrects)
-idiopathic (adolescent females????)
scoliosis is usually an adaptive compensation!!!
