The medical history (history of the patient) represents an important component in the diagnosis of scoliosis. Family history Is there a history of frequent bone/joint disease in your family? Social history What is your profession? Current medical history/systemic history (somatic and psychological complaints). What symptoms have you noticed? Restriction of mobility Malposition, later with fixation … Scoliosis: Medical History
To prevent scoliosis, attention must be paid to reducing individual risk factors. Behavioral risk factors Below-average BMI (body mass index; also body mass index, BMI) is associated with severe spinal deformities Furthermore, for the prevention of scoliosis, attention must be paid to indications of scoliosis during screening examinations (e.g., newborn examination; school examination).
The following symptoms and complaints may indicate scoliosis: Osteoarthritis (joint wear and tear). Asymmetry of the skull Shoulder, chest or pelvic asymmetry / pelvic obliquity (= leg length difference < 2 cm)* . Chondrosis – degenerative cartilage disease. Restriction of mobility Malposition, later with fixation Lumbar bulge* Rib hump* Back pain Pain Spondylosis – degenerative … Scoliosis: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs
Pathogenesis (development of disease) Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine caused by asymmetry of the individual components of the spine. In addition to this, the vertebral bodies are twisted. In extreme cases, the function of internal organs may be impaired. Scoliosis can be subclassified by cause: Idiopathic scoliosis (approximately 85% of all structural … Scoliosis: Causes
Medical aids Indications All-day corset: idiopathic scoliosis with the range of curvature at a Cobb angle of lumbar 15-30° and thoracic 20-45° (50°). Night corset: juvenile and adolescent scoliosis with rapidly progressive, low-grade, flexible curvatures (< 20° Cobb). Part-time corset and positioning shell: infantile scoliosis to estimate curve progression. Patients benefit from brace therapy: With … Scoliosis: Therapy
Congenital malformations, deformities, and chromosomal abnormalities (Q00-Q99). Arnold-Chiari syndrome, type I – group of developmental disorders with displacement of cerebellar parts through the foramen magnum (occipital hole) with concomitant reduced posterior fossa into the spinal canal (vertebral canal); type 1: Here, there is displacement of the cerebellar tonsils (part of the cerebellum; belong to the … Scoliosis: Or something else? Differential Diagnosis
The following are the most important diseases or complications that may be contributed to by scoliosis: Respiratory system (J00-J99) Restriction of breathing Children <10 years of age with “early-onset scoliosis (EOS)” with a progressive course have a high risk of developing restrictive pulmonary dysfunction due to the resulting thoracic changes: in infantile and congenital EOS, … Scoliosis: Complications
A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; further: Inspection (viewing). Skin (normal: intact; abrasions/wounds, redness, hematomas (bruises), scars) and mucous membranes. Gait (fluid, limping). Body or joint posture (upright, bent, gentle posture) [asymmetry of the skull; shoulder, chest or … Scoliosis: Examination
Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, and obligatory laboratory parameters – for differential diagnostic clarification. 3D spine measurement – provides information about anatomical changes of the back and spine without radiation exposure. It captures the interrelationships of the spine, pelvis and back, providing an accurate picture of … Scoliosis: Diagnostic Tests
1st order Surgical therapy for scoliosis consists of stabilizing the spine with rods. The affected area is stiffened. Correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis using the technique of dorsal spondylodesis (vertebral body blocking/surgery to stiffen the vertebral bodies from the back (dorsal) side). Note: Magnetically distractable implants (“magnetically controlled growing rods”, MCGR) now allow non-invasive transcutaneous … Scoliosis: Surgical Therapy
