Scoliosis & Spndylolisthesis

Question 1

describe what scoliosis is

Answer 1

abnormal lateral curvature of the spine and rotational deformity

Question 2

what is the most common cause of scoliosis

Answer 2

idiopathic

Question 3

what are some secondary causes of scoliosis

Answer 3

neuromuscular disease, tumour, skeletal dysplasia, infection

Question 4

what group of people does idiopathic scoliosis tend to present in

Answer 4

females and adolescents

Question 5

what are some features of scoliosis due to underlying cause

Answer 5

present at a younger age and may be more likely to progress to severe scoliosis

Question 6

describe the progression and severity of the majority of scoliosis cases

Answer 6

mild and non-progressive

Question 7

when may surgery be used in scoliosis

Answer 7

for larger curves for cosmesis or to improve wheelchair posture, or to prevent lung defect

Question 8

what can severe curves in scoliosis result in

Answer 8

restrictive lung defect

Question 9

what is spondylolisthesis

Answer 9

slippage of one vertebra over another

Question 10

what level does spondylolisthesis usually occur at

Answer 10

L4/L5 or L5/S1 level

Question 11

what can cause spondylolisthesis

Answer 11

developmental defect or recurrent stress fracture

Question 12

what age does spondylolisthesis usually occur at

Answer 12

adolescence

Question 13

what are some risk factors for spondylolisthesis

Answer 13

increased body weight and increased exercise

Question 14

what can spondylolisthesis present with

Answer 14

low back pain, radiculopathy(if severe), may have “flat back” due to muscle spasm, waddling gait

Question 15

how is minor spondylolisthesis treated

Answer 15

rest and physiotherapy

Question 16

how is severe spondylolisthesis treated

Answer 16

with stabilisation and possibly reduction with therapy