Scoliosis | |
---|---|
Pronunciation | |
Specialty | Orthopedic surgery |
Symptoms | Sideways curve in the back [2] |
Usual onset | 10–20 years old [2] |
Causes | Usually unknown [3] |
Risk factors | Family history, cerebral palsy, Marfan syndrome, tumors such as neurofibromatosis [2] |
Diagnostic method | X-ray [2] |
Treatment | Watchful waiting, bracing, exercises, surgery [2] [4] |
Frequency | 3% [5] [6] |
Scoliosis (pl.: scolioses) is a condition in which a person's spine has an irregular curve [2] in the coronal plane. The curve is usually S- or C-shaped over three dimensions. [2] [7] In some, the degree of curve is stable, while in others, it increases over time. [3] Mild scoliosis does not typically cause problems, but more severe cases can affect breathing and movement. [3] [8] Pain is usually present in adults, and can worsen with age. [9] As the condition progresses, it may alter a person's life, and hence can also be considered a disability. [10] It can be compared to kyphosis and lordosis, other abnormal curvatures of the spine which are in the sagittal plane (front-back) rather than the coronal (left-right).
The cause of most cases is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. [3] Scoliosis most often occurs during growth spurts right before puberty. [11] Risk factors include other affected family members. [2] It can also occur due to another condition such as muscle spasms, cerebral palsy, Marfan syndrome, and tumors such as neurofibromatosis. [2] Diagnosis is confirmed with X-rays. [2] Scoliosis is typically classified as either structural in which the curve is fixed, or functional in which the underlying spine is normal. [2] Left-right asymmetries, of the vertebrae and their musculature, especially in the thoracic region, [12] may cause mechanical instability of the spinal column.
Treatment depends on the degree of curve, location, and cause. [2] The age of the patient is also important, since some treatments are ineffective in adults, who are no longer growing. Minor curves may simply be watched periodically. [2] Treatments may include bracing, specific exercises, posture checking, and surgery. [2] [4] The brace must be fitted to the person and used daily until growing stops. [2] Specific exercises, such as exercises that focus on the core, may be used to try to decrease the risk of worsening. [4] They may be done alone or along with other treatments such as bracing. [13] [14] Evidence that chiropractic manipulation, dietary supplements, or exercises can prevent the condition from worsening is weak. [2] [15] However, exercise is still recommended due to its other health benefits. [2]
Scoliosis occurs in about 3% of people. [5] It most commonly develops between the ages of ten and twenty. [2] Females typically are more severely affected than males with a ratio of 4:1. [2] [3] The term is from Ancient Greek σκολίωσις (skolíōsis) 'a bending'. [16]
Symptoms associated with scoliosis can include:
The signs of scoliosis can include:
People who have reached skeletal maturity are less likely to have a worsening case. [23] Some severe cases of scoliosis can lead to diminishing lung capacity, pressure exerted on the heart, and restricted physical activities. [24]
Longitudinal studies have revealed that the most common form of the condition, late-onset idiopathic scoliosis, causes little physical impairment other than back pain and cosmetic concerns, even when untreated, with mortality rates similar to the general population. [25] [26] Older beliefs that untreated idiopathic scoliosis necessarily progressed into severe (cardiopulmonary) disability by old age have been refuted. [27]
An estimated 65% of scoliosis cases are idiopathic (cause unknown), about 15% are congenital, and about 10% are secondary to a neuromuscular disease. [28]
About 38% of variance in scoliosis risk is due to genetic factors, and 62% is due to the environment. [29] The genetics are likely complex, however, given the inconsistent inheritance and discordance among monozygotic twins. [29] The specific genes that contribute to development of scoliosis have not been conclusively identified. At least one gene, CHD7 , has been associated with the idiopathic form of scoliosis. [30] Several candidate gene studies have found associations between idiopathic scoliosis and genes mediating bone formation, bone metabolism, and connective tissue structure. [29] Several genome-wide studies have identified a number of loci as significantly linked to idiopathic scoliosis. [29] In 2006, idiopathic scoliosis was linked with three microsatellite polymorphisms in the MATN1 gene (encoding for matrilin 1, cartilage matrix protein). [31] Fifty-three single nucleotide polymorphism markers in the DNA that are significantly associated with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis were identified through a genome-wide association study. [32]
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis has no clear causal agent, and is generally believed to be multifactorial; leading to "progressive functional limitations" for individuals. [33] [34] [35] [30] [36] Research suggests that Posterior Spinal Fusion (PSF) can be used to correct the more severe deformities caused by adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. [37] [38] [39] [40] [41] Such procedures can result in a return to physical activity in about 6 months, which is very promising, although minimal back pain is still to be expected in the most severe cases. [42] [43] [44] [45] [41] The prevalence of scoliosis is 1–2% among adolescents, but the likelihood of progression among adolescents with a Cobb angle less than 20° is about 10–20%. [46]
Congenital scoliosis can be attributed to a malformation of the spine during weeks three to six in utero due to a failure of formation, a failure of segmentation, or a combination of stimuli. [47] Incomplete and abnormal segmentation results in an abnormally shaped vertebra, at times fused to a normal vertebra or unilaterally fused vertebrae, leading to the abnormal lateral curvature of the spine. [48]
Vertebrae of the spine, especially in the thoracic region, are, on average, asymmetric. [12] The mid-axis of these vertebral bodies tends to point systematically to the right of the median body plane. A strong asymmetry of the vertebrae and their musculature, may lead to mechanical instability of the column, especially during phases of rapid growth. The asymmetry is thought to be caused by an embryological twist of the body. [50]
Secondary scoliosis due to neuropathic and myopathic conditions can lead to a loss of muscular support for the spinal column so that the spinal column is pulled in abnormal directions.[ citation needed ] Some conditions which may cause secondary scoliosis include muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy, poliomyelitis, cerebral palsy, spinal cord trauma, and myotonia. [51] [52] Scoliosis often presents itself, or worsens, during an adolescent's growth spurt and is more often diagnosed in females than males. [46]
Scoliosis associated with known syndromes is often subclassified as "syndromic scoliosis". [53] Scoliosis can be associated with amniotic band syndrome, [54] Arnold–Chiari malformation, [55] Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease, [56] cerebral palsy, [57] congenital diaphragmatic hernia, [58] connective tissue disorders, [59] muscular dystrophy, [60] familial dysautonomia, [61] CHARGE syndrome, [62] Ehlers–Danlos syndrome [59] (hyperflexibility, "floppy baby" syndrome, and other variants of the condition), fragile X syndrome, [63] [64] Friedreich's ataxia, [65] hemihypertrophy, [66] Loeys–Dietz syndrome, [67] Marfan syndrome, [59] nail–patella syndrome, [68] neurofibromatosis, [69] osteogenesis imperfecta, [70] Prader–Willi syndrome, [71] proteus syndrome, [72] spina bifida, [73] spinal muscular atrophy, [74] syringomyelia, [75] and pectus carinatum. [76]
Another form of secondary scoliosis is degenerative scoliosis, also known as de novo scoliosis, which develops later in life secondary to degenerative (may or may not be associated with aging) changes. This is a type of deformity that starts and progresses because of the collapse of the vertebral column in an asymmetrical manner. As bones start to become weaker and the ligaments and discs located in the spine become worn as a result of age-related changes, the spine begins to curve. [77]
People who initially present with scoliosis undergo a physical examination to determine whether the deformity has an underlying cause and to exclude the possibility of the underlying condition more serious than simple scoliosis.[ citation needed ]
The person's gait is assessed, with an exam for signs of other abnormalities (e.g., spina bifida as evidenced by a dimple, hairy patch, lipoma, or hemangioma). A thorough neurological examination is also performed, the skin for café au lait spots, indicative of neurofibromatosis, the feet for cavovarus deformity, abdominal reflexes and muscle tone for spasticity.[ citation needed ]
When a person can cooperate, he or she is asked to bend forward as far as possible. This is known as the Adams forward bend test [78] and is often performed on school students. If a prominence is noted, then scoliosis is a possibility and an X-ray may be done to confirm the diagnosis.
As an alternative, a scoliometer may be used to diagnose the condition. [79]
When scoliosis is suspected, weight-bearing, full-spine AP/coronal (front-back view) and lateral/sagittal (side view) X-rays are usually taken to assess the scoliosis curves and the kyphosis and lordosis, as these can also be affected in individuals with scoliosis. Full-length standing spine X-rays are the standard method for evaluating the severity and progression of scoliosis, and whether it is congenital or idiopathic in nature. In growing individuals, serial radiographs are obtained at 3- to 12-month intervals to follow curve progression, and, in some instances, MRI investigation is warranted to look at the spinal cord. [80] An average scoliosis patient has been in contact with around 50–300 mGy of radiation due to these radiographs during this time period. [81]
The standard method for assessing the curvature quantitatively is measuring the Cobb angle, which is the angle between two lines, drawn perpendicular to the upper endplate of the uppermost vertebra involved and the lower endplate of the lowest vertebra involved. For people with two curves, Cobb angles are followed for both curves. In some people, lateral-bending X-rays are obtained to assess the flexibility of the curves or the primary and compensatory curves.[ citation needed ]
Congenital and idiopathic scoliosis that develops before the age of 10 is referred to as early-onset scoliosis. [82] Progressive idiopathic early-onset scoliosis can be a life-threatening condition with negative effects on pulmonary function. [83] [84] Scoliosis that develops after 10 is referred to as adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. [3] Screening adolescents without symptoms for scoliosis is of unclear benefit. [85]
Scoliosis is defined as a three-dimensional deviation in the axis of a person's spine. [46] [7] Most instances, including the Scoliosis Research Society, define scoliosis as a Cobb angle of more than 10° to the right or left as the examiner faces the person, i.e. in the coronal plane. [86]
Scoliosis has been described as a biomechanical deformity, the progression of which depends on asymmetric forces otherwise known as the Hueter–Volkmann Law. [32]
Scoliosis curves do not straighten out on their own. Many children have slight curves that do not need treatment. In these cases, the children grow up to lead normal body posture by itself, even though their small curves never go away. If the patient is still growing and has a larger curve, it is important to monitor the curve for change by periodic examination and standing x-rays as needed. The rise in spinal abnormalities require examination by a neurosurgeon to determine if active treatment is needed. [87]
The traditional medical management of scoliosis is complex and is determined by the severity of the curvature and skeletal maturity, which together help predict the likelihood of progression. The conventional options for children and adolescents are: [88]
For adults, treatment usually focuses on relieving any pain: [90] [91]
Treatment for idiopathic scoliosis also depends upon the severity of the curvature, the spine's potential for further growth, and the risk that the curvature will progress. Mild scoliosis (less than 30° deviation) and moderate scoliosis (30–45°) can typically be treated conservatively with bracing in conjunction with scoliosis-specific exercises. [4] Severe curvatures that rapidly progress may require surgery with spinal rod placement and spinal fusion. In all cases, early intervention offers the best results.[ citation needed ]
A specific type of physical therapy may be useful. [93] [4] Evidence to support its use, however, is weak. [2] [15] Low quality evidence suggests scoliosis-specific exercises (SSE) may be more effective than electrostimulation. [94] [ needs update ] Evidence for the Schroth method is insufficient to support its use. [95] Significant improvement in function, vertebral angles and trunk asymmetries have been recorded following the implementation of Schroth method in terms of conservative management of scoliosis. Some other forms of exercises interventions have been lately[ when? ] used in the clinical practice for therapeutic management of scoliosis such as global postural reeducation and the Klapp method. [89]
Bracing is normally done when the person has bone growth remaining and is, in general, implemented to hold the curve and prevent it from progressing to the point where surgery is recommended. In some cases with juveniles, bracing has reduced curves significantly, going from a 40° (of the curve, mentioned in length above) out of the brace to 18°. Braces are sometimes prescribed for adults to relieve pain related to scoliosis. Bracing involves fitting the person with a device that covers the torso; in some cases, it extends to the neck (example being the Milwaukee Brace). [96]
The most commonly used brace is a TLSO, such as a Boston brace, a corset-like appliance that fits from armpits to hips and is custom-made from fiberglass or plastic. It is typically recommended to be worn 22–23 hours a day, and applies pressure on the curves in the spine. The effectiveness of the brace depends on not only brace design and orthotist skill, but also people's compliance and amount of wear per day. An alternative form of brace is a nighttime only brace, that is worn only at night whilst the child sleeps, and which overcorrects the deformity. [97] Whilst nighttime braces are more convenient for children and families, it is unknown if the effectiveness of the brace is as good as conventional braces. The UK government have funded a large clinical trial (called the BASIS study) to resolve this uncertainty. [98] The BASIS study is ongoing throughout the UK in all of the leading UK children's hospitals that treat scoliosis, with families encouraged to take part.
Indications for bracing: people who are still growing who present with Cobb angles less than 20° should be closely monitored. People who are still growing who present with Cobb angles of 20 to 29° should be braced according to the risk of progression by considering age, Cobb angle increase over a six-month period, Risser sign, and clinical presentation. People who are still growing who present with Cobb angles greater than 30° should be braced. However, these are guidelines and not every person will fit into this table.
For example, a person who is still growing with a 17° Cobb angle and significant thoracic rotation or flatback could be considered for nighttime bracing. On the opposite end of the growth spectrum, a 29° Cobb angle and a Risser sign three or four might not need to be braced because the potential for progression is reduced. [99] The Scoliosis Research Society's recommendations for bracing include curves progressing to larger than 25°, curves presenting between 30 and 45°, Risser sign 0, 1, or 2 (an X-ray measurement of a pelvic growth area), and less than six months from the onset of menses in girls. [100]
Evidence supports that bracing prevents worsening of disease, but whether it changes quality of life, appearance, or back pain is unclear. [101]
Surgery is usually recommended by orthopedists for curves with a high likelihood of progression (i.e., greater than 45–50° of magnitude), curves that would be cosmetically unacceptable as an adult, curves in people with spina bifida and cerebral palsy that interfere with sitting and care, and curves that affect physiological functions such as breathing. [102] [103]
Surgery is indicated by the Society on Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT) at 45–50° [4] and by the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) at a Cobb angle of 45°. [104] SOSORT uses the 45–50° threshold as a result of the well-documented, plus or minus 5° measurement error that can occur while measuring Cobb angles. [104]
Surgeons who are specialized in spine surgery perform surgery for scoliosis. To completely straighten a scoliotic spine is usually impossible, but for the most part, significant corrections are achieved. [105]
The two main types of surgery are: [106]
One or both of these surgical procedures may be needed. The surgery may be done in one or two stages and, on average, takes four to eight hours.
A new tethering procedure (anterior vertebral body tethering) may be appropriate for some patients. [107]
Spine surgery can be painful and may also be associated with post-surgical pain. [103] Different approaches for pain management are used in surgery including epidural administration and systemic analgesia (also known as general analgesia). [103] Epidural analgesia medication are often used surgically including combinations of local anesthetics and pain medications injected via an epidural injection. [103] Evidence comparing different approaches for analgesia, side effects or benefits, and which approach results in greater pain relief and for how long after this type of surgery is of low to moderate quality. [103]
A 50-year follow-up study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (2003) asserted the lifelong physical health, including cardiopulmonary and neurological functions, and mental health of people with idiopathic scoliosis are comparable to those of the general population. Scoliosis that interferes with normal systemic functions is "exceptional" [108] and "rare", and "untreated [scoliosis] people had similar death rates and were just as functional and likely to lead productive lives 50 years after diagnosis as people with normal spines." [25] [109] In an earlier University of Iowa follow-up study, 91% of people with idiopathic scoliosis displayed normal pulmonary function, and their life expectancy was found to be 2% more than that of the general population. [26] Later (2006–) studies corroborate these findings, adding that they are "reassuring for the adult patient who has adolescent onset idiopathic scoliosis in approximately the 50–70° range." [110] These modern landmark studies supersede earlier studies (e.g. Mankin-Graham-Schauk 1964) that did implicate moderate idiopathic scoliosis in impaired pulmonary function.[ citation needed ]
Generally, the prognosis of scoliosis depends on the likelihood of progression. The general rules of progression are larger curves carry a higher risk of progression than smaller curves, and thoracic and double primary curves carry a higher risk of progression than single lumbar or thoracolumbar curves. In addition, people not having yet reached skeletal maturity have a higher likelihood of progression (i.e., if the person has not yet completed the adolescent growth spurt). [111]
Scoliosis affects 2–3% of the United States population, or about five to nine million cases. [4] A scoliosis (spinal column curve) of 10° or less affects 1.5–3% of individuals. [100] The age of onset is usually between 10 years and 15 years (but can occur younger) in children and adolescents, making up to 85% of those diagnosed. This is due to rapid growth spurts during puberty when spinal development is most susceptible to genetic and environmental influences. [112] Because female adolescents undergo growth spurts before postural musculoskeletal maturity, scoliosis is more prevalent among females. [113]
Although fewer cases are present since using Cobb angle analysis for diagnosis, scoliosis remains significant, appearing in otherwise healthy children. Despite the fact that scoliosis is a disfigurement of the spine, it has been shown to influence the pneumonic function, balance while standing and stride execution in children. The impact of carrying backpacks on these three side effects have been broadly researched. [114] Incidence of idiopathic scoliosis (IS) stops after puberty when skeletal maturity is attained, however further curvature may occur during late adulthood due to vertebral osteoporosis and weakened musculature. [4]
Ever since the condition was discovered by the Greek physician Hippocrates, a cure has been sought. Treatments such as bracing and the insertion of rods into the spine were employed during the 1900s. In the mid-20th century, new treatments and improved screening methods have been developed to reduce the progression of scoliosis in patients and alleviate their associated pain. School children were during this period believed to develop poor posture as a result of working at their desks, and many were diagnosed with scoliosis. It was also considered to be caused by tuberculosis or poliomyelitis, diseases that were successfully managed using vaccines and antibiotics.[ citation needed ]
The American orthopaedic surgeon Alfred Shands Jr. discovered that two percent of patients had non-disease related scoliosis, later termed idiopathic scoliosis, or the "cancer of orthopaedic surgery". These patients were treated with questionable remedies. [116] A theory at the time—now discredited—was that the condition needed to be detected early to halt its progression, and so some schools made screening for scoliosis mandatory. Measurements of shoulder height, leg length and spinal curvature were made, and the ability to bend forwards, along with body posture, was tested, but students were sometimes misdiagnosed because of their poor posture.[ citation needed ]
An early treatment was the Milwaukee brace, a rigid contraption of metal rods attached to a plastic or leather girdle, designed to straighten the spine. Because of the constant pressure applied to the spine, the brace was uncomfortable. It caused jaw and muscle pain, skin irritation, as well as low self-esteem.[ citation needed ]
In 1962, the American orthopaedic surgeon Paul Harrington introduced a metal spinal system of instrumentation that assisted with straightening the spine, as well as holding it rigid while fusion took place. The now obsolete Harrington rod operated on a ratchet system, attached by hooks to the spine at the top and bottom of the curvature that when cranked would distract—or straighten—the curve. The Harrington rod obviates the need for prolonged casting, allowing patients greater mobility in the postoperative period and significantly reducing the quality of life burden of fusion surgery. The Harrington rod was the precursor to most modern spinal instrumentation systems. A major shortcoming was that it failed to produce a posture wherein the skull would be in proper alignment with the pelvis, and it did not address rotational deformity. As the person aged, there would be increased wear and tear, early onset arthritis, disc degeneration, muscular stiffness, and acute pain. "Flatback" became the medical name for a related complication, especially for those who had lumbar scoliosis. [117]
In the 1960s, the gold standard for idiopathic scoliosis was a posterior approach using a single Harrington rod. Post-operative recovery involved bed rest, casts, and braces. Poor results became apparent over time. [118]
In the 1970s, an improved technique was developed using two rods and wires attached at each level of the spine. This segmented instrumentation system allowed patients to become mobile soon after surgery. [118]
In the 1980s, Cotrel–Dubousset instrumentation improved fixation and addressed sagittal imbalance and rotational defects unresolved by the Harrington rod system. This technique used multiple hooks with rods to give stronger fixation in three dimensions, usually eliminating the need for postoperative bracing. [118]
There are links between human spinal morphology, bipedality, and scoliosis which suggest an evolutionary basis for the condition. Scoliosis has not been found in chimpanzees or gorillas. [119] Thus, it has been hypothesized that scoliosis may actually be related to humans' morphological differences from these apes. [119] Other apes have a shorter and less mobile lower spine than humans. Some of the lumbar vertebrae in Pan are "captured", meaning that they are held fast between the ilium bones of the pelvis. Compared to humans, Old World monkeys have far larger erector spinae muscles, which are the muscles which hold the spine steady. [119] These factors make the lumbar spine of most primates less flexible and far less likely to deviate than those of humans. While this may explicitly relate only to lumbar scolioses, small imbalances in the lumbar spine could precipitate thoracic problems as well. [119]
Scoliosis may be a byproduct of strong selection for bipedalism. For a bipedal stance, a highly mobile, elongated lower spine is very beneficial. [119] For instance, the human spine takes on an S-shaped curve with lumbar lordosis, which allows for better balance and support of an upright trunk. [120] Selection for bipedality was likely strong enough to justify the maintenance of such a disorder. Bipedality is hypothesized to have emerged for a variety of different reasons, many of which would have certainly conferred fitness advantages. It may increase viewing distance, which can be beneficial in hunting and foraging as well as protection from predators or other humans; it makes long-distance travel more efficient for foraging or hunting; and it facilitates terrestrial feeding from grasses, trees, and bushes. [121] Given the many benefits of bipedality which depends on a particularly formed spine, it is likely that selection for bipedalism played a large role in the development of the spine as we see it today, in spite of the potential for "scoliotic deviations". [119] According to the fossil record, scoliosis may have been more prevalent among earlier hominids such as Australopithecus and Homo erectus , when bipedality was first emerging. Their fossils indicate that there may have been selected over time for a slight reduction in lumbar length to what we see today, favoring a spine that could efficiently support bipedality with a lower risk of scoliosis. [119]
The cost of scoliosis involves both monetary loss and lifestyle limitations that increase with severity. Respiratory deficiencies may arise from thoracic deformities and cause abnormal breathing. [122] This directly affects capacity for exercise and work, decreasing the overall quality of life. [4]
In the United States, the average hospital cost for cases involving surgical procedures was $30,000 to $60,000 per person in 2010. [123] As of 2006, the cost of bracing was up to $5,000 during rapid growth periods, when braces must be consistently replaced across multiple follow-ups. [4]
The month of June is recognized as Scoliosis Awareness Month to highlight and spread awareness of scoliosis. It emphasizes its wide impact and the need for early detection. [124]
Genetic testing for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, which became available in 2009 and is still under investigation, attempts to gauge the likelihood of curve progression. [125] [ needs update ]
Kyphosis is an abnormally excessive convex curvature of the spine as it occurs in the thoracic and sacral regions. Abnormal inward concave lordotic curving of the cervical and lumbar regions of the spine is called lordosis.
Pectus carinatum, also called pigeon chest, is a malformation of the chest characterized by a protrusion of the sternum and ribs. It is distinct from the related malformation pectus excavatum.
The Harrington rod is a stainless steel surgical device. Historically, this rod was implanted along the spinal column to treat, among other conditions, a lateral or coronal-plane curvature of the spine, or scoliosis. Up to one million people had Harrington rods implanted for scoliosis between the early 1960s and the late 1990s.
A back brace is a device designed to limit the motion of the spine in cases of bone fracture or in post-operative spinal fusiona, as well as a preventative measure against some progressive conditions or to correct patient posture.
Kyphoscoliosis describes an abnormal curvature of the spine in both the coronal and sagittal planes. It is a combination of kyphosis and scoliosis. This musculoskeletal disorder often leads to other issues in patients, such as under-ventilation of lungs, pulmonary hypertension, difficulty in performing day-to-day activities, and psychological issues emanating from anxiety about acceptance among peers, especially in young patients. It can also be seen in syringomyelia, Friedreich's ataxia, spina bifida, kyphoscoliotic Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (kEDS), and Duchenne muscular dystrophy due to asymmetric weakening of the paraspinal muscles.
Scheuermann's disease is a self-limiting skeletal disorder of childhood. Scheuermann's disease describes a condition where the vertebrae grow unevenly with respect to the sagittal plane; that is, the posterior angle is often greater than the anterior. This uneven growth results in the signature "wedging" shape of the vertebrae, causing kyphosis. It is named after Danish surgeon Holger Scheuermann.
The Milwaukee brace, also known as a cervico-thoraco-lumbo-sacral orthosis or CTLSO, is a back brace most often used in the treatment of spinal curvatures in children but also, more rarely, in adults to prevent collapse of the spine and associated pain and deformity. It is a full-torso brace that extends from the pelvis to the base of the skull. It was originally designed by Blount and Schmidt in 1946 for postoperative care when surgery required long periods of immobilization.
Spinal disease refers to a condition impairing the backbone. These include various diseases of the back or spine ("dorso-"), such as kyphosis. Dorsalgia refers to back pain. Some other spinal diseases include spinal muscular atrophy, ankylosing spondylitis, scoliosis, lumbar spinal stenosis, spina bifida, spinal tumors, osteoporosis and cauda equina syndrome.
Axial Biotech, Inc. was a privately held molecular diagnostics company based in Salt Lake City, Utah. It was founded in 2002.
The Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) is a non-profit, professional, international organization made up of physicians and allied health personnel, whose purpose is to "care for those with spinal deformity throughout life by patient care, education, research and patient advocacy." It was founded in 1966 with 37 members, and now has grown to include over 1300 spinal deformity surgeons and allied health personnel in 41 countries, with a primary focus on providing continuing medical education for health care professionals, and funding/support for research in spinal deformities. Among the founding members were Dr. Paul Randall Harrington, inventor of the Harrington rod treatment for scoliosis, and Dr. David B. Levine, spine surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery. Harrington later served as President of the SRS from 1972 to 1973, and Levine was President of the Society from 1978 to 1979. Current membership primarily includes spinal deformity surgeons, as well as some researchers, physician assistants, and orthotists who are involved in research and treatment of spinal deformities. Strict membership criteria ensure that the individual SRS Fellows are dedicated to the highest standards of care for adult and pediatric spinal deformities, utilizing both non-operative and operative techniques.
The neuromechanics of idiopathic scoliosis is about the changes in the bones, muscles and joints in cases of spinal deformity consisting of a lateral curvature scoliosis and a rotation of the vertebrae within the curve, that is not explained by either congenital vertebral abnormalities, or neuromuscular disorders such as muscular dystrophy. The idiopathic scoliosis accounts for 80–90% of scoliosis cases. Its pathogenesis is unknown. However, changes in the vestibular system, a lateral shift of the hand representation and abnormal variability of erector spinae motor map location in the motor cortex may be involved in this disease. A short spinal cord and associated nerve tensions has been proposed as a cause and model for idiopathic scoliosis. Besides idiopathic scoliosis being more frequent in certain families, it is suspected to be transmitted via autosomal dominant inheritance. Estrogens could also play a crucial part in the progression of idiopathic scoliosis through their roles in bone formation, growth, maturation and turnover. Finally, collagen, intervertebral disc and muscle abnormalities have been suggested as the cause in idiopathic scoliosis, although these are perhaps results rather than causes.
The management of scoliosis is complex and is determined primarily by the type of scoliosis encountered: syndromic, congenital, neuromuscular, or idiopathic. Treatment options for idiopathic scoliosis are determined in part by the severity of the curvature and skeletal maturity, which together help predict the likelihood of progression. Non-surgical treatment should be pro-active with intervention performed early as "Best results were obtained in 10-25 degrees scoliosis which is a good indication to start therapy before more structural changes within the spine establish." Treatment options have historically been categorized under the following types:
Katharina Schroth was a German physiotherapist known for developing the Schroth method to treat scoliosis.
Anterior vertebral body tethering (AVBT) is a relatively new surgery for the treatment of scoliosis in pediatric patients. Left untreated, severe scoliosis can worsen and eventually affect a person's lungs and heart.
The Providence brace is a nighttime spinal orthosis for the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). The brace is used to curb the natural progression of scoliosis and prevent further curvature of the AIS patient's spine. The Providence brace was developed by Charles d'Amato and Barry McCoy, and is manufactured by Spinal Technology, Inc.
Iliocostal friction syndrome, also known as costoiliac impingement syndrome, is a condition in which the costal margin comes in contact with the iliac crest. The condition presents as low back pain which may radiate to other surrounding areas as a result of irritated nerve, tendon, and muscle structures. It may occur unilaterally due to conditions such as scoliosis, or bilaterally due to conditions such as osteoporosis and hyperkyphosis.
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a disorder in which the spine starts abnormally curving sideways (scoliosis) between the ages of 10–18 years old. Generally, AIS occurs during the growth spurt associated with adolescence. In some teens, the curvature is progressive, meaning that it gets worse over time, however, AIS more commonly manifests only as a mild curvature.
Spinal posture is the position of the spine in the human body. It is debated what the optimal spinal posture is, and whether poor spinal posture causes lower back pain. Good spinal posture may help develop balance, strength and flexibility.
Halo-gravity traction (HGT) is a type of traction device utilized to treat spinal deformities such as scoliosis, congenital spine deformities, cervical instability, basilar invagination, and kyphosis. It is used prior to surgical treatment to reduce the difficulty of the following surgery and the need for a more dangerous surgery. The device works by applying weight to the spine in order to stretch and straighten it. Patients are capable of remaining somewhat active using a wheelchair or a walker whilst undergoing treatment. Most of the research suggests that HGT is a safe treatment, and it can even improve patients' nutrition or respiratory functioning. However, some patients may experience side effects such as headaches or neurological complications. The halo device itself was invented in the 1960s by doctors working at the Riancho Los Amigos hospital. Their work was published in a paper entitled "The Halo: A Spinal Skeletal Traction Fixation Device." The clinician Pierre Stagnara utilized the device to develop Halo-Gravity traction.
Pierre Stagnara was a French spinal surgeon. He has been described as a "pioneer" in the study of spinal deformities, "one of the greatest figures of French spinal surgery." Stagnara was born in January 16, 1917 in Loriol-sur-Drôme, France. He studied medicine in the city of Lyon. During World War II he was drafted into the French army. After the war, he worked in a variety of hospitals throughout Lyon. In 1959 he became the Chief of the Centre des Massues and served in this position until his retirement in 1982. Whilst working at the institution he pioneered many orthopedic techniques. Including the non-surgical management of scoliosis.
It was once assumed, on the basis of studies in heterogeneous patient populations, that patients with untreated adolescent scoliosis would necessarily become wheelchair-dependent in old age and were likely to die of cardiopulmonary arrest for reasons related to scoliosis. This is no longer held to be the case.
The main purpose of performing CT or MR imaging in a patient with scoliosis is to identify an underlying cause. MR imaging is used with increasing frequency to evaluate patients with an unusual curve pattern or alarming clinical manifestations. Nevertheless, two reasons for performing such screening are plausible: First, the treatment of an underlying neurologic lesion could help alleviate progressive neurologic deterioration and lead to improvement or stabilization of scoliosis; second, surgery performed to correct scoliosis in the presence of an underlying neurologic disorder that has not been identified and treated could result in new or additional neurologic deficits.