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Scoliosis
Medical Questions » Scoliosis
| Name: Scoliosis |
| Also known as: |
| Abnormal curvature of the spine. |
Causes of Scoliosis
Minor degrees are seen in many teenagers as they go through periods of rapid growth, particularly if they have poor posture, but in some the deformity becomes severe. If one leg is shorter than the other due to injury or other causes, the pelvis will be tilted, and the spine will curve to compensate. Other causes include abnormal vertebrae in the back that may have been present since birth or damaged by a severe injury' , diseases of the muscles that support the vertebral bones (eg. polio or quadriplegia), or spasm of muscles in cerebral palsy that can pull the backbone out of shape. |
Symptoms of Scoliosis
Abnormal lateral (side to side) curvature of the spine. Only significant curvature warrants medical attention. |
Tests for Scoliosis
When the patient touches their toes, looking from behind along the back, one side will be seen to rise higher than the other, even though the spine may appear relatively straight when erect. X-rays of the back are also abnormal. |
Treatment for Scoliosis
Initially, careful measurements are taken, and the patient is then checked at regular intervals to assess the progress of the scoliosis. If there is deterioration or the curvature exceeds 15-20 degrees, treatment is necessary, by means of physiotherapy, structured exercises, braces, or in severe cases surgery. Surgical techniques include the insertion of steel rods into the back to keep it straight, or fusing several vertebrae together in a straight line to prevent them from moving.
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Complications of Scoliosis of its treatment
Permanent deformity is possible. |
Likely Outcome of Scoliosis
The younger the onset of the problem, the greater the need for concern, but babies nearly always recover spontaneously. With proper medical care severe deformity is almost unknown. |
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