ScoliosisBY: KALENE GETZ

Case Study:

Chief complaint- developing pain at her upper back.

During examination, a positive tenderness at the thoracic vertebrae, and a limitation on bending forward was noted.

Mild case of Scoliosis

Personal/ social history- very active in sports, no history of hospitalization, and no surgical procedure.

Family history- mother had hypertension, diabetes, and mild scoliosis. Father has bronchial asthma.

What is Scoliosis?

A lateral curvature in the normally straight vertical line of the spine ("Scoliosis of the Spine: Image, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments").

Curvature goes unnoticed by many. One way it goes unnoticed is the grueling intenseness of sports.

Detected during school screening exams, and or physicals done by a physician that comes to school. Diagnosis of scoliosis and the determination of the type are made by

a careful bone exam and an x-ray to evaluate the magnitude of the curve ("Scoliosis of the Spine: Image, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments").

Curvatures

• 3 different degrees of scoliosis: mild, moderate, and severe.

• Mild- less than 25°, may have tilted head or uneven shoulders("What is Scoliosis? Mild, Moderate, Severe").

• Moderate- curve of 26-40°, may or may not be associated with pain, may feel “clumsy” ("What is Scoliosis? Mild, Moderate, Severe").

• Can start to affect the way you do things.

• Severe- curve is above 40° and has a 90% risk of progression. Spine may be visualized as a "C" or "S" shape beneath the skin ("What is Scoliosis? Mild, Moderate, Severe").

Mild Scoliosis

Moderate Scoliosis Severe Scoliosis

Treatments

Braces:

The type will depend on the location of the curvature.

How severe it is.

As a patient is still in their growing stages it is better for them to be put into braces to let the spine straighten out on its own.

Treatment continued…

Surgery: Suggested for patients with curvatures over 50 degrees.

If braces have failed

Inserting a steel rode to help support the vertebrae.

Bone grafts to make the bone stronger and give better support to the fused vertebrae ("Scoliosis - Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment of Scoliosis - NY Times Health Information").

ReferencesA.D.A.M. "Scoliosis Treatment - Scoliosis Health Information - NY Times Health." The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia. N.p., 26 Oct. 2014. Web. 25 Oct. 2014. "Scoliosis - Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment of Scoliosis - NY Times Health Information." The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Oct. 2014. "Scoliosis of the Spine: Image, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments." WebMD - Better information. Better health. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Oct. 2014. "What is Scoliosis? Mild, Moderate, Severe." Scoliosis Treatment- Non-Surgical, Non-Bracing Treatment of Scoliosis in Miami and South Florida - South Florida Scoliosis Center - CLEAR Certified. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Oct. 2014.