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The human spine is a very important structure that protects our neural elements, supports our erect posture, stabilizes our limbs relative to our trunks, and supports our abdominal and thoracic regions.  Medically, scoliosis (Greek root: scolio, meaning curvature, curved, twisted, crooked, or bent) is a condition in which the spine is curved at 10 degrees or greater in the coronal or frontal plane.

Scoliosis [1]

In the United States, scoliosis is found in approximately 2-3% of the population (about 6 million people).  There are many causes of scoliosis, but the most common is idiopathic (unknown).

Scoliosis may be caused by:

• Abnormalities in the vertebrae at birth
• Neuromuscular disorders, such as cerebral palsy, myelomeningocele, or paraplegia
• Connective tissue abnormalities, such as osteogenesis imperfecta, Marfan's syndrome, or Ehlers−Danlos syndrome
• Other injuries to the developing spine [2]

Some of the signs of scoliosis include:

• Uneven waist
• Body leaning to one side
• Uneven shoulders
• Head not centered over the pelvis
• One shoulder blade more prominent than the other [3]

Signs of Scoliosis [4]

There are a broad range of treatments that can be implemented to correct scoliosis.  Many factors influence the treatment plan including the child's age, remaining growth potential, curve pattern and magnitude, anticipated rate of progression, and appearance.  Small curves are typically closely observed to check for progression of the curvature.  For those patients whose scoliosis requires treatment but is not severe enough to necessitate surgery, a back brace can be worn to stop the progression of the curvature, usually until the patient has stopped growth.  If the curvature is serious enough or progresses beyond a certain point despite a brace, surgery becomes necessary. Only about 10 percent of those with scoliosis will require surgical treatment.

Spinal Instrumentation [3]

Created By:
Clayton Alonso
Alexander Pleet
Matthew Tann
Jamie Terran
at Brown University

Last updated:
April 27, 2008

References:
Left Banner Photo - http://www.spinesource.com/images/SCOLI3.jpg
Right Banner Photo - http://www.bee.qut.edu.au/graphics/research/themes/medical/rod_scoliosis_correction.jpg
[1] http://nsinternational.org/doctortodoctor/images/userimages/Bodarevar.jpg
[2] http://www.spineuniverse.com/displayarticle.php/article294.html
[3] http://www.spineuniverse.com/displayarticle.php/article1450.html
[4] http://kapiolani.startingouthealthy.com/archive/issue204/articleart/story6c.gif

To navigate to the BIOL 1080 main page:
http://biomed.brown.edu/Courses/BI108/BI108.html