Abnormal Curvatures of the Spinal Column

Question 1

What are the classifications of scoliosis according to the Scoliosis Research Society?

Answer 1

• magnitude
• location
• direction
• etiology
• structural scoliosis
• non-structural scoliosis

Question 2

What does the magnitude of scoliosis refer to?

Answer 2

the length and angle of the curve deviation on x-ray

Question 3

What is often used to measure the magnitude of scoliosis?

Answer 3

the Cobb method

Question 4

What does the location of scoliosis infer?

Answer 4

the location of the vertebral segment forming the apex of the curve deviation

Question 5

What does the direction of scoliosis refer to?

Answer 5

the side the convexity of the curve will bend toward

Question 6

What does etiology of scoliosis mean?

Answer 6

the cause of the scoliosis

Question 7

What is structural scoliosis?

Answer 7

• a more radical form of scoliosis
• it may worsen
• associated with structural deformities of the vertebra or intervertebral disc
• frequently has a fixed angle of trunk rotation

Question 8

What is non-structural scoliosis?

Answer 8

• a mild form of scoliosis
• unlikely to worsen
• not associated with structural deformities of the vertebra or intervertebral disc
• lacks a fixed angle of trunk rotation

Question 9

What are some classifications of scoliosis based on etiology?

Answer 9

• congenital
• neuromuscular
• neurofibromatosis
• nerve root irritation
• idiopathic

Question 10

What does idiopathic scoliosis infer?

Answer 10

• the scoliosis is unique to the individual

- it has no known cause

Question 11

What is the incidence of idiopathic scoliosis in the population?

Answer 11

1-4% of the population

Question 12

Based on age of onset, what are the types of idiopathic scoliosis?

Answer 12

• infantile
• juvenile
• adolescent

Question 13

What is the age range for infantile idiopathic scoliosis?

Answer 13

from birth to 3 years old

Question 14

What is the age range for juvenile idiopathic scoliosis?

Answer 14

from 3 years old to 10 years old

Question 15

What is the age range for adolescent idopathic scoliosis?

Answer 15

over 10 years old

Question 16

Identify the curve direction, location, gender bias, and incidence of infantile idiopathic scoliosis.

Answer 16

• left thoracic
• male
• less than 1% incidence

Question 17

Identify the curve direction, location, gender bias, and incidence of juvenile idiopathic scoliosis.

Answer 17

• right thoracic
• females over 6 years old
• 12-21% incidence

Question 18

Identify the curve direction, location, gender bias, and incidence of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Answer 18

• right thoracic or right thoracic and left lumbar
• females
• 80% incidence

Question 19

What is the genetic factor associated with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis?

Answer 19

an autosomal dominant factor that runs in families

Question 20

What is the relationship between curve deviation, incidence, and curve worsening?

Answer 20

the greater the deviation, the lower the incidence, and the more likely to worsen