Abnormal S-shaped curve of the spine. Scoliosis refers to a lateral bending of the spine. The shoulders and pelvis will appear uneven and the rib cage might be twisted.
Abnormal lateral twisting or rotating of the spine.
A lateral curvature of the vertebral column lordosis; kyphosis.
A condition in which the spine curves sideways.
Scoliosis is a side-to-side (lateral) curvature of the spine that can be caused by congenital, developmental, degenerative, or idiopathic (unknown) causes. The curvature of the spine from scoliosis may develop as a single curve (shaped like the letter C) or as two curves (shaped like the letter S). Scoliosis may occur in the upper back (thoracic) or lower- back (lumbar), but most commonly it develops in the area between the thoracic and lumbar areas (thoracolumbar area). Idiopathic scoliosis (unknown causes) is the most common form of scoliosis, occurring in approximately one half million adolescents in the United States. Family members of children diagnosed with scoliosis often have the same condition, which indicates a genetic predisposition.
Abnormal sideways curvature of the spine, in excessive cases becoming almost S-shaped, a type of spinal disorder commonly associated with lordosis or kyphosis. Scoliosis often appears in childhood or adolescence; in infancy it is seen in more boys than girls, but by school age it appears in both sexes. It becomes increasingly obvious as growth occurs, both to the eye and on X-rays, and if untreated, it may progress to severe and painful deformity. The malformation can result from unequal leg length, which causes tilting of the body, from tumors or injuries, or from diseases such as poliomyelitis, but it is often a genetic disorder. If detected early, scoliosis can be treated simply by exercises or orthopedic devices, such as shoe lifts to even the leg lengths. But serious and worsening cases may require the use of braces, casts, or surgery, in which bone grafts are used to help force and fuse the spinal vertebrae into a straight line. Children should be checked for scoliosis from early childhood, and if it is detected, the degree of curvature should be checked annually to see that measures being taken are keeping the condition from worsening.
Abnormal lateral or sideward curve to the spine; common in childhood, it may be caused by congenital malformation, poliomyelitis, limbs of unequal length, or other factors. Early treatment involving surgery, casts, exercises, and braces may prevent progression of the curvature.
An abnormal lateral curvature of the spine with the original curve and a secondary compensatory curve in the opposite direction.
An abnormal curvature of the spine found in infants, young children, adolescents, and some adults. The spinal curve in scoliosis may have an “S” or a “C” shape. What causes scoliosis in most young people is unknown. Genetic, hormonal, and metabolic factors may have a role. Most cases of scoliosis are mild and painless. In severe cases, the spine rotates in addition to curving so that the ribs on one side of the body become prominent.
Lateral (sideways) deviation of the backbone, caused by congenital or acquired abnormalities of the vertebrae, muscles, and nerves. Treatment is with spinal braces and, in cases of severe deformity, surgical correction by fusion or osteotomy.
A lateral curvature of the spine. It usually consists of two curves, the original abnormal curve and a compensatory curve in the opposite direction. Scoliosis may be functional, structural, or idiopathic. Functional (postural) scoliosis usually occurs as a result of a discrepancy in leg length and corrects when the patient bends toward the convex side. Structural scoliosis is related to vertebral bone deformities and thus does not correct with posture changes. Idiopathic scoliosis (the most common kind) may be transmitted as an autosomal dominant or multifactorial trait.
An abnormality characterized by a sideways curvature of the spine. This curvature is often observed in the thoracic (chest) or lumbar (lower back) regions. Scoliosis typically emerges during childhood or adolescence and gradually worsens until growth ceases. Sometimes, another section of the spine may curve in the opposite direction to compensate, resulting in an S-shaped appearance. Scoliosis can also be linked to kyphoscoliosis. While the condition may be quite mild and asymptomatic, it might come to the attention of a physician during the evaluation of back pain.
The precise cause of adolescent scoliosis remains uncertain. In some instances, the condition is linked to a congenital anomaly involving the vertebrae, which are the spinal bones. Occasionally, it may also arise temporarily due to a spinal injury.
If an underlying cause is identified, appropriate treatment will be administered. In instances of scoliosis with an uncertain cause, physiotherapy might be effective in managing the condition. In cases of advanced or rapidly worsening scoliosis, spinal immobilization using a brace could be necessary, and in severe instances, a surgical intervention may be undertaken to correct the curvature of the spine.
Irregular bending of the spine, particularly sideways. When a lateral curve in the spine develops in one direction, it is typically accompanied by a compensatory curve that returns the overall alignment of the spine to an upright position.