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 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.
