Lecture 7.2 - MSK Flashcards
What is scoliosis?
Lateral curvature if the spine, usually involves rotation
What is a structural curve of the spine?
Does not change with movement, fixed
What is non-structural scoliosis?
Caused by issues other than spinal structure: differing leg lengths, muscle spasms, etc.
–> aka functional scoliosis
Does not involve abnormal rotation
What is considered a scoliosis curve?
Cobb angle > 10 degrees
Small curves are considered spinal asymmetry and have no long-term significance
Is scoliosis passed down from families?
yes, 30% increased incidence if a person has an affected family member
What are the two classifications of scoliosis based on timing of onset?
Early onset
–> Before age ten
Late onset
–> onward, grouped by age.
What are the possible etiologies of scoliosis (main three types)?
Congenital, neuromuscular, idiopathic
What is congenital scoliosis? When does it occur in utero?
Failure of vertebral column to form or segment in utero
–> Abnormaility occurs by 6 weeks GA
Is congenital scoliosis diagnosed at birth?
Often not present right away, may take time to develop
–> Might be found of a prenatal US
What are some symptoms of neuromuscular scoliosis?
Spasticity, weakness, hypotonicity
–> Variable Symptoms
What are some syndromes that can cause neuromuscular scoliosis
Caused by muscle imbalance and lack of trunk control. Early detection is important, early intervention can improve function:
Cerebral palsy
Muscular dystrophy
Neurofibromatosis
Myelomeningocele
EDS
Marfan
Osteogenesis imperfecta
Achondroplasia
Most idiopathic scoliosis presents in what age group?
80-85% - adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
What are the 3 subcategories of idiopathic scoliosis?
Infantile - 0-3 years
Juvenile: 4-9 years
Adolescent: >10
Most common in adolescents (80-85%)
What organ systems are affected when a scoliosis angle increases over 70°?
Curve around ribs - heart and lungs are a concern
What is AIS? Do most people with it need treatment?
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS)
No, only 3% have Cobb Angle > 10°, and only 10% of that population require observation or intervention
Although both girls and boys can be affected by IAS, they present differently. How so?
Boys - progress more quickly , maybe because it is more challenging to track pubertal development
girls - Risk for larger curves requiring treatment
What is the aim to manage AIS?
Increase screening in primary care - typically found by family member
What kind of curve is most common in IAS?
Right thoracic
What is a double major curve?
presence of both a thoracic and lumbar spinal curvature.
What inspection findings would indicate scoliosis?
Shoulder and hip asymmetry
Head in line with center of sacrum
What is the Adam’s forward-bending test?
Assess degree of rotation and deformity
–> Pt bend forward at wait with knees straight and palms together. Note thoracic and lumbar prominences
What is a scoliometer?
A tool that measures the angle of trunk rotation during a forward bend test
How can cafe au lait spots be associated with scoliosis?
Both are associated with neurofibromatosis type 1
How is scoliosis diagnosed definitively?
3 foot spine x-ray identifies:
–> site of deformity
–> Magnitude of curve
–> Skeletal maturity
–> Spondylolysis/spondylolisthesis