2.
Introduction
Scoliosis is defined as a
lateral deviation of the
normal vertical line of
the spine >10º
associated with rotation
of the vertebrae.
Three-dimensional
deformity of the spine -
sagittal, frontal, and
coronal planes
3.
~2% of children affected at some stage of life
~10% of affected patients will require corrective
surgery
Occurs in 1-3% of population below the age of 16
years.
0.1% have a curve greater than 40 degrees.
Girls are more affected than boys.
Those with a curve of more than 30 degrees are
generally girls, outnumbering boys by 10:1.
Statistics
4.
Anatomy
All bony elements are
altered
Vertebra are wedge
shaped
Poorly Developed
Concave side
Pedicles rotated
Discs are wedged as
well
6.
• Genetic
Strongly Familial
11% incidence in first relatives of patients.
• Tissue deficiencies
common on Marfan’s syndrome
• Growth abnormalities
Asymmetrical vertebral growth
• Central nervous system alteration
Different size cerebral cortices.
Associated Syrinx, Low lying cord, Arnold Chiari Malformation
–Functional Spinal Cord Tethering
Etiology
7.
• Structural
involves both a lateral curvature and rotation of the
vertebrae.
• Non- structural
The spine has a lateral curvature but there is no
structural abnormality in the spine.
The curvature is in response to habit or a disease
process.
Clinical Types
9.
A reversible lateral curve of the spine that tends to be positional or
dynamic in nature.
No structural or rotational changes in the alignment of the vertebrae.
Disappears when the patient is supine or prone or sitting
Correction of the lateral curve is possible by:
• Forward or side bending. This test is done to determine whether the curve
straightens out as the child bends forward and to identify a visible,
rotational deformity of the rib cage
• Positional changes and alignment of the pelvis or spine.
• Muscle contraction
• By correction of a leg-length discrepancy
Non-structural Scoliosis
(Postural/ Functional)
11.
Postural– This curvature is due to prolonged use of a
wrong posture. It resolves when the child is lies down.
Compensatory – It is caused by leg-length discrepancy.
There is no rotation of the vertebrae and it usually goes
off on sitting.
Sciatic This curve results from trying to avoid pain from
an irritated sciatic nerve
Inflammatory: Here a curvature in the spine is caused by
an infective process such as an appendicitis. The body
curves in response to the disease or abdominal muscle
spasm.
Hysterical – very rare and has an underlying
psychological component
Non-structural Scoliosis
12.
Classification
Cervical curve – apex between
C1 and C6
Cervico-thoracic curve - apex
between C7 and T1
Thoracic curve - apex between T2
and T11
Thoraco-lumbar curve - apex
between T12 and L1
Lumbar curve - apex between L2
and L4
Lumbosacral curve - apex
between L5 and S1
13.
King’s Classification
Double curve,
both curve
cross the
midline,
• Lumbar
curve larger ,
stiffer than the
thoracic curve
Double curve,
both cross the
midline
• Thoracic
curve larger,
stiffer than the
lumbar
curves.
Thoracic
curve
crosses
midline
and lumbar
curve does
not cross
midline
Long thoracic
curve in which
L5 is centered
over sacrum
but L4 tilts into
long thoracic
curve
Thoracic
curve and
T1 tilts to
upper
curve
15.
• History
First noted and progression
Family history
Affected sibling 7 times more frequent
Affected parent 3 times more frequent
Recent growth history
Sexual maturity
Pain
‘Fatigue pain’
Post diagnostic pain
‘Severe pain’
Diagnosis
16.
Iliac crest height
Leg length discrepancy
Shoulder height
Arm trunk space
Scapular position
Trunk shift
Neuro exam /Muscle charting
Generalized Features – Marfan’s
Inspection of skin
Café au lait spots
Hair patch
Physical Examination
19.
Posteroanterior and lateral radiographs
Right and left bending films, traction films, fulcrum
bending films, or push prone radiographs –
flexibility
Stagnara - eliminate rotational component of the
curve.
Radiographic parameters - to assess maturity.
Hand and wrist and development of the iliac apophysis
(Risser sign), triradiate cartilage, olecra- non apophysis
ossification, and digital ossification
Radiographic
Evaluation
22.
Skeletal maturity
Based on ossification of iliac apophysis
Graded from 0 (no ossification) to 5 (complete bony
fusion)
Risser Grade
23.
Neurologic deficit
• Necessary in cases of:
A thoracic curve to the left.
Painful scoliosis.
Abnormal neurological findings.
Excessive stiffness.
Deviation to one side during the bend test.
Sudden rapid progression of a previously stable
curve.
MRI
24.
Curves 30 to 50 degrees progress an average of 10 to
15 degrees over a lifetime.
Curves > 50 at maturity progress steadily at a rate of
1 degree per year.
Curves less than 30 at bone maturity are unlikely to
progress.
At 90 degrees or greater: increased potential for life
threatening effects on pulmonary function.
Progression
29.
Spinal Fusion - motion segments (vertebrae) are
welded together using bone grafts, rod and screws.
• Posterior approach (back) – thoracic curves
• Anterior-posterior approach (front and back)
• Anterior approach (front) - thoracolumbar and
lumbar curves
• Thoracoscopic surgery (VATS, Video-Assisted
Thoracoscopic Surgery)
Spinal instrumentation without fusion
Surgery
33.
• Anterior-Posterior Approach
performed in patients with
severe stiff curves and in young,
skeletally immature patients to
prevent crankshaft phenomenon.
• Crankshaft Phenomenon
progression and rotation of
curve resulting due to growth of
anterior part of the spine and
fused posterior part.
35.
• Growth Rods
Commonly used in
children
Allow for straightening
of the spine and
subsequent lengthening
procedures until the
patient reaches
adolescence when a
final fusion procedure
is performed.