|
What Is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a medical term taken from a Greek word meaning curvature.
This disease often develops during childhood causing the spine to curve laterally (to the side) to the left or right. The spine's normal curves occur at the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions. These natural curves position the head over the pelvis and work as shock absorbers to distribute mechanical stress during movement.
The normal spine viewed posteriorly (from behind) appears straight from neck to buttocks. However, a scoliotic spine bends to the left or right resembling the letter S or C. Scoliosis is a complex three-dimensional disease.
To understand
this concept consider that in some cases, as the spine curves abnormally, the
involved vertebrae are forced to rotate. If rotation occurs at the thoracic level
of the spine, vertebral turning impacts the rib cage and may result in rib prominence
on the opposite side of the curve. In severe cases, lung and heart function can
be compromised. Fortunately, severe cases of scoliosis (above example) are not
as prevalent as smaller curves. In the United States, 3 to 5 children out of 1,000
will develop scoliotic curves large enough to warrant treatment. In fact, the
worldwide prevalence of scoliosis, including all forms of the disease, is only
1%. Types of Scoliosis
There are three types of scoliosis that affect children - infantile, juvenile,
and adolescent.
Infantile scoliosis occurs before age three and is seen more
frequently in boys. Although neurologic involvement is possible, many resolve
spontaneously. Some may progress to severe deformity.
Juvenile scoliosis is
found more frequently in girls between the ages of 3 and 10. These curves are
at a high risk for progression and often require surgical intervention.
Adolescent
scoliosis, also termed Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) occurs between age
10 and maturity. AIS may start at the onset of puberty or becomes apparent during
an adolescent growth spurt. Females are at higher risk, often requiring surgical
treatment, if non-operative treatment fails to halt curvature. Scoliosis can be
congenital, meaning it was caused by a vertebral defect discovered at birth. Idiopathic
scoliosis simply means the scoliosis occurred without known cause.
Continue this article...
|
