Scoliosis is often congenital (called “idiopathic scoliosis”), but comes out only during the growth spurts between age 10 and 16.
In this age group about 2% to 3% develop scoliosis and about 70% of them are girls (Ref.3). Scoliosis is a sidewards curvature of the spine with a degree of rotation as well. This leads to an abnormal posture of the ribs with a chest hump, which is most visible with forward flexion of the spine (see below). As we do not know the exact reason why some children get scoliosis compared to others, it is called “idiopathic” scoliosis meaning “we don’t know” the reason. These cases are the most common ones. The other cases are called “acquired scoliosis” as they occur following back injuries.
Scoliosis is often without symptoms
Scoliosis may be entirely without symptoms. It presents by physical appearance where one shoulder is carried higher than the other. Or the clothes do not fall straight due to the reverse S curve of the spinal column. With forward bending a shoulder hump is visible as the upper rib cage and shoulder blade sticks out more on one side than the other. Orthopedic surgeons have classified scoliosis into various degrees of severity, which can be determined by X-ray examinations.
Scoliosis
Treatment of scoliosis
Physicians leave mild cases alone; they treat moderate cases with bracing and they treat severe cases with corrective surgery. Untreated severe scoliosis can seriously affect circulation through the lungs and lead to congestive heart failure. These patients have a severely affected exercise tolerance. However, with the introduction of Harrington rods and spinal fusion surgery techniques, also called ankylosis, things have changed considerably.
An orthopedic surgeon can insert Harrington rods, which are steel rods. The surgeon inserts them parallel to the spine. In the past physicians thought that this surgical procedure was necessary. However, it unnecessarily stiffened the spine too much. Since then King has classified idiopathic scoliosis into 5 types and a more conservative approach with limited fusion surgery in the thoracic spine has been introduced (see Ref.4 and 5). Only a minority of patients have to have this surgery done. The treating physician can observe the majority of patients or treat them with bracing.
References
1. ABC of rheumatology, second edition, edited by Michael L. Snaith , M.D., BMJ Books, 1999.
2. The Merck Manual, 7th edition, by M. H. Beers et al., Whitehouse Station, N.J., 1999. Chapter 52.
3. The Merck Manual, 7th edition, by M. H. Beers et al., Whitehouse Station, N.J., 1999. Chapter 275,p.2429.
4. HA King Orthop Clin North Am 1988 Apr;19(2):247-255.
5. HA King Orthop Clin North Am 1999 Jul;30(3):467-474, ix.
6. The Merck Manual, 7th edition, by M. H. Beers et al., Whitehouse Station, N.J., 1999. Chapter 59.
7. JA Smith Orthop Clin North Am Jul 1999; 30(3): 487-499.
8. The Merck Manual, 7th edition, by M. H. Beers et al., Whitehouse Station, N.J., 1999. Chapter 56, p. 469.
9. Wheeless’ Textbook of Orthopaedics: http://www.wheelessonline.com/ortho/arthritis
10. Goldman: Cecil Textbook of Medicine, 21st ed.(©2000)W.B.Saunders
11. Ferri: Ferri’s Clinical Advisor: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment, 2004 ed., Copyright © 2004 Mosby, Inc.
12. Rakel: Conn’s Current Therapy 2004, 56th ed., Copyright © 2004 Elsevier
