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15 year old female with
Idiopathic Scoliosis
Note curvature to the right in the
Thoracic spine
Scoliosis
is a condition where the spine is curved like an "s" (when the patient is viewed
from behind). The vertebral bodies are rotated causing a posterior
prominence or lump opposite the side of the curve.
There are a number of different types of scoliosis:
| Idiopathic Scoliosis is the
most common type. The cause is unknown. The deformity usually appears in early
adolescence and is more common in girls. The curve is usually to the right
in the Thoracic spine. |
| Congenital Scoliosis: this is
caused by abnormal formation of some of the vertebral bodies of the spine. |
| Neuromuscular Scoliosis: there
is some abnormal condition present which affects the muscles causing the spine
to curve (example, Cerebral Palsy) |
Treatment is either by:
| Formal observation, with xray evaluation at specific
intervals |
| Bracing |
| Surgery |
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