Skip to main content

Scoliosis, Sports Medicine

Erin S. Barnes, MD and Mark E. Lavallee, MD, CSCS, FACSM Reviewed 04/2019
 


BASICS

Not a diagnosis but a description of a structural change in anatomy 

DESCRIPTION

  • Three dimensional deformity of the spine, characterized by lateral curvature of the spine measuring >10 degrees...

DIAGNOSIS

  • Neuromuscular scoliosis: occurs in patients with neurologic or musculoskeletal conditions; may be seen with cerebral palsy, myelomeningocele, muscular dystrophy, or leg length discrepancy

  • Con...

TREATMENT

Concepts for treatment are based on the severity of the deformity present and on the likelihood of progression: 
  • Risk for progression:

    • Skeletal maturity and curve magnitude are the two stronge...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Follow up 2 yr after onset of skeletal maturity.

  • Skeletally mature patients do not need routine follow-up if Cobb angle <40 degrees; beyond 40 degrees should be...

REFERENCES

1
Sitoula P, Verma K, Holmes LJr, et al. Prediction of curve progression in idiopathic scoliosis: validation of the Sanders Skeletal Maturity Staging System. Spine (Phila Pa 1976).  201...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Bettany-Saltikov J, Turnbull D, Ng SY, et al. Management of spinal deformities and evidence of treatment effectiveness. Open Orthop J.  2017;11:1521–1547.

  • Horne JP, Flannery R, ...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • If any of the signs mentioned are seen in conjunction with significant back pain, an x-ray or referral is indicated. The scoliometer is also a useful tool in screening patients.

  • Scolios...

Subscribe to Access Full Content

Sign Up for a 10-Day Free Trial

Sign up for a 10-day FREE Trial now and receive full access to all content.

×