Clinical medicineLesson 3 of 5 in the course Low back pain and spinal disorders

Scoliosis: Classification, Causes, Assessment, Treatment, and Prognosis

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

Scoliosis is a three-dimensional deviation of the spine that includes an abnormal curve in the coronal plane—the left-to-right plane when viewed from the front—and a rotational component. The curve often appears C-shaped or S-shaped when the spine is viewed from behind. Rotation can also affect the ribs and the appearance of the torso.

A curve is commonly defined as scoliosis when its Cobb angle is greater than 10°. The Cobb angle is measured on an X-ray and describes the size of the curve; it does not by itself explain its cause or determine every aspect of a person's health.

All flashcards

What is scoliosis?
A three-dimensional spinal deformity involving a coronal-plane curve and rotation. A Cobb angle greater than 10° is a commonly used diagnostic threshold.
What is the coronal plane?
The left-to-right plane used when viewing the body from the front or back.
What is structural scoliosis?
A fixed spinal curve involving structural deformity, often with rotation.
What is functional scoliosis?
An apparent spinal curve in which the underlying spine is structurally normal; factors such as posture or muscle spasm may contribute.
How do kyphosis and lordosis differ from scoliosis?
Kyphosis and lordosis describe abnormal front-to-back curves in the sagittal plane, whereas scoliosis primarily describes a side-to-side curve with rotation.

Quiz questions

  1. Which broad category accounts for most scoliosis cases?Answer: Idiopathic scoliosis
  2. What does the Adams forward bend test help an examiner identify?Answer: Trunk or rib asymmetry that may suggest scoliosis
  3. What is the main aim of bracing for a growing person with scoliosis?Answer: To limit curve progression while growth continues
  4. What happens during spinal fusion surgery for scoliosis?Answer: Instrumentation stabilizes the spine while vertebrae fuse
  5. Which combination is associated with a greater likelihood of scoliosis progression?Answer: A larger curve and substantial remaining growth

Based on the Wikipedia article Scoliosis, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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