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In Depth Review of Scoliosis: Introduction

The mission of the Scoliosis Research Society is to foster optimal care for the patient with spinal deformity , through education, research, advocacy, and ethical practice.

kyphosis normal exaggerated spine lateral drawings srs
Figure 1a&b SRS Patient Handbook
When one views a normal spine form behind, the back appears straight and the trunk symmetrical. When the normal spine is viewed from the side, curves are seen in the neck, upper trunk and lower trunk. The upper trunk has a gentle rounded contour called kyphosis and the lower trunk has a reverse direction of the rounded contour called lordosis. Certain amounts of cervical (neck) lordosis, thoracic (upper back) kyphosis and lumbar (lower back) lordosis are normally present and are needed to maintain appropriate trunk balance over the pelvis (Fig. 1a&b). Deviations from this normal alignment may reflect abnormal kyphosis or lordosis or, more commonly, scoliosis.

Scoliosis
scoliosis normal spine curvature posterior drawing srs
Figure 2a&b SRS Patient Handbook
Scoliosis is defined as a side-to-side deviation from the normal frontal axis of the body (Fig. 2a&b).Although traditional, this definition is limited since the deformity occurs in varying degrees in all three planes: back-front; side-to-side; top-to-bottom. Scoliosis is a descriptive term and not a diagnosis. As such, a search is made for the cause. In more than 80% of the cases, a specific cause is not found and such cases are termed idiopathic, i.e., of undetermined cause. This is particularly so among the type of scoliosis seen in adolescent girls. Conditions known to cause spinal deformity are congenital spinal column abnormalities, neurological disorders, genetic conditions and a multitude of other causes. Scoliosis does not come from carrying heavy things, athletic involvement, sleeping/standing postures, or minor lower limb length inequality.

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Last Updated: 08/04/2007
Continue Reading: An In Depth Review of Scoliosis: Idiopathic Scoliosis
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Editorial Board Comments on SpineUniverse
SpineUniverse is committed to ensuring that all information on its site is trustworthy and of the highest quality. To maintain the site's quality, SpineUniverse relies on its exceptional Editorial Board. The Editorial Board is a "Who's Who" of more than 60 leading spine specialists, including surgeons, pain management specialists, chiropractors, nurses, physical therapists and more.

Peer Review by Leading Specialists

    Baron S. Lonner, MD

    This review provided by the Scoliosis Research Society gives the reader an excellent general review of multiple types of scoliosis and kyphosis. The most prominent clinical features of the various conditions are highlighted.

    The Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) has members from around the world. Advice about scoliosis and its treatment comes from the world's experts, and the information from the SRS is accurate, up to date, and reliable.
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