Curvature of the spine
| Scoliosis | |
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| Pronunciation | |
| Specialty | Orthopedics |
| Symptoms | Sideways curve in the back |
| Usual onset | 10–20 years old |
| Causes | Usually unknown |
| Risk factors | Family history, cerebral palsy, Marfan syndrome, tumors such as neurofibromatosis |
| Diagnostic method | X-ray |
| Treatment | Watchful waiting, bracing, surgery |
| Frequency | 3% |
| Classification |
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| External resources |
Scoliosis is a medical condition in which a person's spine has a sideways curve. The curve is usually "S"- or "C"-shaped. In some the degree of curve is stable, while in others it increases over time. Mild scoliosis does not typically cause problems, while severe cases can interfere with breathing. Pain is typically not present.
The cause of most cases is unknown but believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Risk factors include other affected family members. It can also occur due to another condition such as muscles spasms, cerebral palsy, Marfan syndrome, and tumors such as neurofibromatosis. Diagnosis is confirmed with plain X-rays. Scoliosis is typically classified as either structural in which the curve is fixed or functional in which the underlying spine is normal.
Treatment depends on the degree of curve, location, and cause. Minor curves may simply be watched periodically. Treatments may include bracing or surgery. The brace must be fitted to the person and used daily until growing stops. There is a lack of evidence that chiropractic manipulation, dietary supplements or exercises can prevent the condition's worsening. However, exercise is still recommended due to its other health benefits.
Scoliosis occurs in about 3% of people. It most commonly occurs between the ages of ten and twenty. Girls typically are more severely affected than boys. The term is from Ancient Greek: σκολίωσις skoliosis which means "a bending".
Scoliosis is defined as a three-dimensional deviation in the axis of a person's spine In the diagnostic sense, it is defined as a spinal curvature of more than 10 degrees to the right or left as the examiner faces the person, i.e. in the coronal plane. Deformity may also exist to the front or back as the examiner looks at the person from the side, i.e. in the sagittal plane.
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