Which condition is characterized by an abnormal lateral curvature of the vertebral column?

Overview

Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that most often is diagnosed in adolescents. While scoliosis can occur in people with conditions such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, the cause of most childhood scoliosis is unknown.

Most cases of scoliosis are mild, but some curves worsen as children grow. Severe scoliosis can be disabling. An especially severe spinal curve can reduce the amount of space within the chest, making it difficult for the lungs to function properly.

Children who have mild scoliosis are monitored closely, usually with X-rays, to see if the curve is getting worse. In many cases, no treatment is necessary. Some children will need to wear a brace to stop the curve from worsening. Others may need surgery to straighten severe curves.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of scoliosis may include:

  • Uneven shoulders
  • One shoulder blade that appears more prominent than the other
  • Uneven waist
  • One hip higher than the other
  • One side of the rib cage jutting forward
  • A prominence on one side of the back when bending forward

With most scoliosis cases, the spine will rotate or twist in addition to curving side to side. This causes the ribs or muscles on one side of the body to stick out farther than those on the other side.

When to see a doctor

Go to your doctor if you notice signs of scoliosis in your child. Mild curves can develop without you or your child knowing it because they appear gradually and usually don't cause pain. Occasionally, teachers, friends and sports teammates are the first to notice a child's scoliosis.

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Causes

Doctors don't know what causes the most common type of scoliosis — although it appears to involve hereditary factors, because the disorder sometimes runs in families. Less common types of scoliosis may be caused by:

  • Certain neuromuscular conditions, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy
  • Birth defects affecting the development of the bones of the spine
  • Previous surgery on the chest wall as a baby
  • Injuries to or infections of the spine
  • Spinal cord abnormalities

Risk factors

Risk factors for developing the most common type of scoliosis include:

  • Age. Signs and symptoms typically begin in adolescence.
  • Sex. Although both boys and girls develop mild scoliosis at about the same rate, girls have a much higher risk of the curve worsening and requiring treatment.
  • Family history. Scoliosis can run in families, but most children with scoliosis don't have a family history of the disease.

Complications

While most people with scoliosis have a mild form of the disorder, scoliosis may sometimes cause complications, including:

  • Breathing problems. In severe scoliosis, the rib cage may press against the lungs, making it more difficult to breathe.
  • Back problems. People who had scoliosis as children may be more likely to have chronic back pain as adults, especially if their abnormal curves are large and untreated.
  • Appearance. As scoliosis worsens, it can cause more noticeable changes — including uneven hips and shoulders, prominent ribs, and a shift of the waist and trunk to the side. Individuals with scoliosis often become self-conscious about their appearance.

Scoliosis care at Mayo Clinic

May 04, 2022

  1. Scoliosis in children and teens: In depth. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/scoliosis/advanced. Accessed April 7, 2021.
  2. Introduction to scoliosis. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/introduction-to-scoliosis. Accessed April 7, 2021.
  3. Kliegman RM, et al. The spine. In: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed April 7, 2021.
  4. Scherl SA. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: Clinical features, evaluation and diagnosis. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed April 7, 2021.
  5. Ferri FF. Scoliosis. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2021. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed April 7, 2021.
  6. Scherl SA. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: Management and prognosis. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed April 7, 2021.
  7. Miller MD, et al., eds. The adolescent: Scoliosis. In: Essential Orthopaedics. 2nd ed. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed April 7, 2021.
  8. Kim W, et al. Clinical evaluation, imaging and management of adolescent idiopathic and adult degenerative scoliosis. In: Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology. 2019; doi.org/10.1067/j.cpradiol.2018.08.006.
  9. Azar FM, et al. Scoliosis and kyphosis. In: Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 14th ed. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed April 7, 2021.
  10. Surgical treatment for scoliosis. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/surgical-treatment-for-scoliosis. Accessed April 7, 2021.
  11. Devlin VJ. Idiopathic scoliosis. In: Spine Secrets. 3rd edition. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed April 7, 2021.
  12. Larson AN (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. April 30, 2021.
  13. Fedorak GT, et al. Minimum 5-year follow-up of Mehta casting to treat idiopathic early-onset scoliosis. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 2019; doi:10.2106/JBJS.18.01268.
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  15. Morrow ES Jr. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic. Feb. 16, 2021.

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What is the abnormal curvature of the vertebral column?

Scoliosis: is an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine in the shape of an S or a C that is greater than 10 degrees distance from a normal spine. It is most usually found in the upper thoracic spine and to a considerably lesser extent in the lumbar spine of young girls.

What is an abnormal lateral curvature of the vertebral column called multiple choice question?

Scoliosis is a side-to-side curvature of the spine that can develop in adults when their facet joints and discs begin to deteriorate (Fig. 2).

What is scoliosis mean?

Scoliosis is where the spine twists and curves to the side. It can affect people of any age, from babies to adults, but most often starts in children aged 10 to 15. Scoliosis can improve with treatment, but it is not usually a sign of anything serious and treatment is not always needed if it's mild.

What are the 3 abnormal spinal curvatures?

What are the types of spine curvature disorders?.
Lordosis/Swayback: the spine of a person with lordosis curves significantly inward at the lower back..
Kyphosis: Characterized by an abnormally rounded upper back (more than 50 degrees of curvature)..
Scoliosis: Scoliosis causes a sideways curve to the spine..