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Development of scoliosis in myelomeningocele. Differences in the history caused by idiopathic pattern.

The natural history of scoliosis in the literature concerning the idiopathic and neuromuscular scoliosis in myelomeningocele patients (MMC) are compared to our own results in 12 patients with MMC and 89 patients operated because of an idiopathic scoliosis. According to known experiences the natural history of scoliosis in MMC is progression even after the end of growth. The chance of developing a scoliosis increases with the patients, age and the level of the lesion. The higher the level of paralysis the more common is a spinal deformity. In literature the progression rate of MMC scoliosis is 2.5-3.5 degrees per year, with the idiopathic pattern 0.5-0.65 degrees per year after end of growth. Our own results of surgically treated patients show a rate of progression of 6.2 degrees per year in MMC. The surgical treatment must start before a severe spinal deformity has developed because of the higher rate of operative complications.

Adolescent↗

Not all rods are Harrington - an overview of spinal instrumentation in scoliosis treatment.

BACKGROUND: Scoliosis is a multiplanar spinal deformity, which has been treated in the past with spinal fusion and cast application, starting in the early part of this century. In the last 30 years, Paul Harrington successfully introduced spinal instrumentation for scoliosis. Harrington instrumentation has had a large impact on the treatment of scoliosis. Currently, there are many different instrumentations available for the treatment of scoliosis. Indications differ for the use of these systems. Appreciation of spinal instrumentation is essential to treatment of the patient with scoliosis. Post-operative roentgenographic studies are better understood when the interface between instrumentation and the spine is understood. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Distinguishing characteristics between some of the more common instrumentations are noted. There continues to be a proliferation of spinal instrumentation systems. Roentgenograms and spinal models are used to explain how some of the instrumentation systems differ and how they interface with the spine. CONCLUSION: An overview of spinal instrumentation in scoliosis treatment will allow better understanding of the purposes of the hardware and how it relates to the spine.

Child↗

Colour Doppler ultrasonography for evaluation of anterior chest blood supply: the possible role of arterial blood supply to the costosternal junction in the aetiology of idiopathic scoliosis in female adolescents.

This prospective comparative study was carried out to investigate the blood supply to the anterior chest wall by measurement of several anatomical and haemodynamic flow parameters of the internal mammary artery, with the use of colour Doppler ultrasonography, in female scoliotics with idiopathic right convex scoliosis in adolescence. Previous investigations have postulated that asymmetry of the breasts in female adolescents may be linked with the development of right convex thoracic scoliosis. This breast asymmetry is supposed to be linked with anatomical and functional asymmetry of the internal mammary artery that is the main supplier to the mammary gland. However, no measurements of anatomical and haemodynamic parameters of the internal mammary artery have been made to justify or reject the hypothesis of asymmetric blood flow volume to the breasts and costosternal junction in female adolescent scoliotics. Twenty female adolescents with right convex thoracic scoliosis and 16 comparable female individuals without spine deformity were examined with roentgenograms (scoliotics only) to measure scoliosis curve, vertebral rotation and concave and convex rib-vertebra angle at three vertebrae (the apical, one level above and one below the apical vertebra). Doppler ultrasonography was used to measure, at the origin of the internal mammary artery, its lumen diameter, cross-sectional area, time average mean flow and flow volume per minute in scoliotics and controls, which were compared with each other. The roentgenographic parameters were compared with the ultrasonographic parameters in the scoliotics to disclose any relationship. The reliability of colour Doppler ultrasonography was high and the intra-observer variability low (ANOVA, P=0.92-0.94). There was no statistically significant difference in the ultrasonographic parameters of the internal mammary artery between right and left side in each individual as well as between scoliotics and controls. In scoliotics the right mammary artery time average mean velocity increases with the convex ( P<0.05) and concave ( P<0.01) rib-vertebra angle one level above the apical vertebrae and with the apical convex rib-vertebra angle ( P<0.05). The right internal mammary artery flow volume per minute increases with convex ( P<0.01) and concave ( P<0.01) rib-vertebra angle one level above the apical vertebrae and with the apical convex rib-vertebra angle ( P<0.05). Left internal mammary artery cross-sectional area increases with convex apical rib-vertebra angle ( P<0.01) and concave rib-vertebra angle one level above the apical vertebra ( P<0.01). Conclusively, this investigation showed that haemodynamic flow parameters of the right internal mammary artery and anatomical parameters of the left internal mammary artery are significantly correlated with the magnitude of rib-vertebra angles close to the apex of right thoracic scoliosis in female adolescents. This study did not find any evidence for side-difference in vascularity of the anterior thorax wall and, thus, it could not clearly justify previous theories for development of right thoracic scoliosis in female adolescents.

Adolescent↗

Relative anterior spinal overgrowth in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis--result of disproportionate endochondral-membranous bone growth? Summary of an electronic focus group debate of the IBSE.

There is no generally accepted scientific theory for the etiology of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). As part of its mission to widen understanding of scoliosis etiology, the International Federated Body on Scoliosis Etiology (IBSE) introduced the electronic focus group (EFG) as a means of increasing debate on knowledge of important topics. This has been designated as an on-line Delphi discussion. The text for this EFG was written by Professor Jack Cheng and his colleagues who used whole spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to re-investigate the relative anterior spinal overgrowth of progressive AIS in a cross-sectional study. The text is drawn from research carried out with his co-workers including measurement of the height of vertebral components anteriorly (vertebral body) and posteriorly (pedicles) in girls with AIS and in normal subjects. The findings confirm previous anatomical studies and support the consensus view that in patients with thoracic AIS there is relatively faster growth of anterior and slower growth of posterior elements of thoracic vertebrae. The disproportionate anteroposterior vertebral size is associated with severity of the scoliotic curves. In interpreting the findings they consider the Roth/Porter hypothesis of uncoupled neuro-osseous growth in the spine but point out that knowledge of normal vertebral growth supports the view that the scoliosis deformity in AIS is related to longitudinal vertebral body growth rather than growth of the canal. In the mechanical mechanism (pathomechanism) they implicitly adopt the concept of primary skeletal change as it affects the sagittal plane of the spine with anterior increments and posterior decrements of vertebral growth and, in the biological mechanism (pathogenesis) propose a novel histogenetic hypothesis of uncoupled endochondral-membranous bone formation. The latter is viewed as part of an 'intrinsic abnormality of skeletal growth in patients with AIS which may be genetic'. The hypothesis that AIS girls have intrinsic anomalies (not abnormalities) of skeletal growth related to curve progression and involving genetic and/or environmental factors acting in early life is not original. While the findings of Professor Cheng and his colleagues have added MRI data to the field of relative anterior spinal overgrowth in AIS their interpretation engenders controversy. Three new hypotheses are proposed to interpret their findings: (1) hypoplasia of articular processes as a risk factor for AIS; (2) selection from the normal population to AIS involves anomalous vertebral morphology and soft tissue factors--this hypothesis may also apply to certain types of secondary scoliosis; and (3) a new method to predict the natural history of AIS curves by evaluating cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) motion at the cranio-cervical junction. What is not controversial is the need for whole spine MRI research on subjects with non-idiopathic scoliosis.

Adolescent↗

Can a short spinal cord produce scoliosis?

Some patients with scoliosis have a relatively short vertebral canal. This poses the question of whether a short spinal cord may sometimes cause scoliosis. The present paper presents two observations that may support this concept. It presents a scoliosis model demonstrating what effect a short, unforgiving spinal cord might have on the spinal column. The model uses two flexible parallel tubes with the facility to tighten one. It demonstrates that a short, unforgiving spinal cord could produce the abnormal rotatory anatomy observed at the apex in scoliosis, with first lordosis, then lateral deviation and finally a rotation of the vertebral column, with the rotation occurring between the canal and the vertebral body, around the axis of the cord. The anatomy of the apical vertebra is described from two museum specimens, a computed tomography (CT) myelogram and seven magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies. The study confirms that the vertebral canal and the intervertebral foraminae retain their original orientation. The spinal cord is eccentric in the canal towards the concavity of the curve; the major component of rotation occurs anterior to the vertebral canal and the axis of this rotation seems to be at the site of the spinal cord. These observations do not establish that a short spinal cord will result in scoliosis, but the results are compatible with this hypothesis, and that impairment of spinal cord growth factors may sometimes be responsible for scoliosis.

Humans↗

Analysis of the interaction between vertebral lateral deviation and axial rotation in scoliosis.

There is a lack of clear biomechanical analyses to explain the interaction of the lateral and axial deformity of the spine in idiopathic scoliosis. A finite element model which represented an isolated ligamentous spine with realistic elastic properties and idealized geometry was used to analyse this interaction. Three variations of this model were used to investigate two different hypotheses about the etiology of scoliosis and to define the forces required to produce a scoliosis deformity. The first hypothesis is that coupling within a motion segment produces the interaction between lateral deviation and axial rotation. The second hypothesis is that posterior tethering by soft tissues in the growing spine produces the observed interaction. Modeling of both hypotheses failed to produce the clinically observed pattern of interaction. Therefore, to find which biomechanical forces were required to produce an idealized scoliosis, prescribed displacements were applied to the model. Production of a double curve scoliosis of 10 degrees Cobb angles required lateral forces on the order of 20 N acting 40 mm anterior to the vertebral body centers. There do not appear to be any anatomic structures capable of producing such forces. Therefore, it seems unlikely that scoliosis deformity can be explained in terms of forces acting on the spine, and understanding of its origins may come from examination of other mechanisms such as asymmetric thoracic growth, or asymmetric vertebral development.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

[Is it too late to start orthopedic treatment for idiopathic scoliosis with Risser scores of 4?].

Orthopaedic treatment for idiopathic scoliosis in adolescence is indicated with a curve of > or =20 degrees and a Risser score< or =4, because progression of curve is low with Risser scores >4. We present the case of a young man with a left lumbar idiopathic scoliosis (T12-L4) with a curve of 10 degrees, which was stable from 13 years (Risser 0) to 16 years old (Risser 4). The scoliosis progressed quickly after a Risser score of 4 was achieved. The man had been wearing a lift on the left foot since he was 13, because of a leg length discrepancy, and had been under clinical and radiological monitoring. When the boy reached 17 years, the scoliosis rapidly progressed, to a curve of 22 degrees and a Risser score of >4. The scoliosis was effectively treated with a Boston brace. At 20 years, the Risser score was 5, and the left lumbar curve was 13 degrees after discontinuing the use of the brace. To our knowledge, no scientific reference indicates a time limit to orthopaedic treatment for idiopathic adolescent scoliosis. Despite the experts' recommendations, a brace might be indicated with a Risser score > or =4 to stop the progression of the curve.

Adult↗

Evaluation of segmental postural characteristics during quiet standing in control and Idiopathic Scoliosis patients.

BACKGROUND: The complex skeletal deformations that accompany Idioapthic Scoliosis pose a challenge to the clinician to non-invasively discriminate Idiopathic Scoliosis patients from children with no pathology. Therefore, the focus of this study is to non-invasively evaluate the position and amplitude of displacement of the pelvis, shoulders and thorax during quiet standing of Idiopathic Scoliosis patients and control subjects. METHODS: The quiet standing posture of 18 healthy adolescent females and 22 Idiopathic Scoliosis subjects was evaluated using an Optotrak 3020 position sensor over a period of 120 s, with 4 repeat trials. Outcome measures included the mean position, root mean square amplitude and range over the duration of 120 s trials for both linear and angular measures of the pelvis, thorax and shoulders. Appropriate sample times were chosen and evaluated for stability over the 120 s period, and between trial reliability was evaluated. FINDINGS: There was a significant difference between groups for the mean position of the shoulder blade rotation in reference to the base of support and to the pelvis. The Idiopathic Scoliosis patients had a significantly larger root mean square amplitude of anterior-posterior displacement of the T1 and S1 spinous processes in reference to the base of support. There was no difference between the sample durations to estimate the mean position of the body segments, however the root mean square increased significantly. INTERPRETATION: This study demonstrates that postural abnormalities are evident during quiet standing in Idiopathic Scoliosis patients.

Child↗

Thoracolumbar kyphosing scoliosis associated with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita: a case report.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: A case of spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita (SEDC) with thoracolumbar kyphosing scoliosis and a clinical outcome of the patient's surgical treatment are reported. PURPOSE: We report a rare case and the effect of surgical treatment on the kyphosing scoliosis with SEDC with a review of literature. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: SEDC is a rare disease and has a variety of spinal deformities. To our knowledge, a case of surgical treatment for the kyphosing scoliosis with SEDC was not reported before. METHODS: The patient, a 27-year-old woman, complained of severe back pain and dyspnea. She was operated on in 1997 for severe kyphosing scoliosis, using segmental spinal instrumentation and strut bypass graft. She was followed for 6 years, and clinical symptoms and plain X-ray films were investigated. RESULTS: Her kyphosis was corrected from 116 degrees to 86 degrees at the final follow-up; otherwise, her scoliosis was almost unchanged. Her symptoms were relieved. CONCLUSIONS: A case of SEDC with thoracolumbar kyphosing scoliosis was successfully treated by segmental spinal instrumentation and anterior strut bypass graft.

Adult↗

Rasterstereographic back shape analysis in idiopathic scoliosis after posterior correction and fusion.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the accuracy of rasterstereographic three-dimensional back surface analysis and reconstruction of the spine in idiopathic scoliosis treated by posterior correction and fusion. DESIGN: Prospective imaging study of 25 patients with idiopathic scoliosis who underwent posterior correction and fusion and were followed for one year. BACKGROUND: In an earlier study published in this journal rasterstereography has proved to be an accurate imaging modality for quantifying the changes in the three-dimensional shape of the spine and posterior rib cage after anterior correction and fusion. Goal of the present study was to determine the accuracy for the more common posterior correction and fusion with attention paid to the presence of the posterior implants and scarring. METHODS: Twenty-five patients with idiopathic scoliosis with maximum Cobb angles of 78 degrees were examined by rasterstereography and radiography. Seventy-one anterior-posterior radiographs were digitised. Twenty-four were preoperative and 47 postoperative radiographs. Rasterstereographic and radiographic curves were compared by best-fit superimposition. Root-mean-square differences were calculated as parameters of accuracy. RESULTS: The accuracy of rasterstereography in severe idiopathic scoliosis with Cobb angles between 48 degrees and 78 degrees was satisfactory with root-mean-square differences of 5.8 mm for the lateral deviation and 4.8 degrees for vertebral rotation. Following posterior correction the accuracy was good. The root-mean-square difference was 4.5 mm for the lateral deviation and 4.3 degrees for vertebral rotation. CONCLUSION: The accuracy obtained for posteriorly-operated scolioses between 50 degrees and 80 degrees was similar to the findings for scolioses operated via anterior approach, as well as those with curves up to 50 degrees Cobb angle. Therefore rasterstereography can be used postoperatively to reduce the number of radiographs and radiation exposure. Additionally, the method provides an objective quantification of the postoperative improvement in the cosmesis of the back shape. RELEVANCE: In the treatment of severe idiopathic scoliosis rasterstereography provides both a considerable reduction of X-rays and an objective documentation of the cosmesis before after scoliosis surgery.

Adolescent↗

[The Schroth scoliosis-specific back school--initial results of a prospective follow-up study].

The prospective study reported here was instituted in 1987 to obtain more detailed data on the efficacy of scoliosis-specific spinal rehabilitation after Schroth. Inclusion criteria were 1) idiopathic scoliosis, 2) Risser stage < 4, 3) no treatment with corset or electrical stimulation, 4) first examination between 1 and 3 years postoperatively, 5) usable total X-rays taken with the patient standing not more than 6 months prior to admission. A total of 181 scoliosis patients with an average age of 12.76 years and an average Cobb angle of 27 degrees were included in the study. The average Risser's sign was 1.4 and the average follow-up period was 33 months. No cases of relative progression (annual increase in curvature of 5 degrees or more) were observed. For the purpose of comparison with the spontaneous course, the patients were grouped by age and severity of scoliosis. Both the absence of any relative progression as well as direct comparison of the development of scoliosis under therapy with the spontaneous course confirmed the efficacy of the stationary rehabilitation programme notably in cases with poor prognosis, i.e. with large scoliosis angles and unfavourable curvatures.

Adolescent↗

[Experience with lateral electric surface stimulation in the treatment of progressive idiopathic scoliosis].

Due to incorrect use of nomenclature, scolioses are incorrectly classified in the paper by Altekruse and Heine. The angle measurement is inaccurate and does not correspond to Cobb's measuring method. The accuracy of the scientific statement and its value can be derived from this. The results of treatment obtained by Altekruse and Heine were improvement in or standstill of the scoliosis in 80% of the cases and progression in over 17%. This corresponds to the "Natural History of Scoliosis:" 5 to 25% of juvenile scolioses (age 3 to 10 years according to Drummont) are progressive, the figure for adolescent scolioses being lower. Therefore, electrostimulation is used to 70-80% in cases requiring no treatment, where there is no progression, in which there are no structural changes or which should be classified as malposture, in which spontaneous remission usually occurs or which remain stationary. In scolioses of over 25 degrees, with proven progression and structural changes, and possibly also with positive family history, electrostimulation fails. As in almost all papers published to date, Altekruse and Heine's paper disregards the behavior of the sagittal curvature of the spine under electrostimulation. We demonstrate in two cases that electrostimulation can have a considerable pathologic effect, causing lordosis. Since, on the basis of recently adopted opinions, there is reason to believe that there is a causal connection between lordosis and the pathogenesis of scoliosis, it must be assumed that in such cases electrostimulation incites or aggravates the development of scoliosis or is at least potentially capable of doing so. At any rate, in the two cases in which it was demonstrated that electrostimulation caused lordosis, the scoliosis was significantly aggravated, so that in these cases at least it must be assumed that the method has a health-damaging effect. Electrostimulation is a cost factor which does not seem justifiable today, with economy an obligation. The cost of using it in a mere 100 cases would be sufficient to pay for proper screening of all the children in one school year in the Federal Republic. Children who are really at risk could be given effective treatment. In Sweden, this has resulted in 60% of the scoliosis operations previously required in populations of the same size no longer being necessary.

Adolescent↗

Improving excellence in scoliosis rehabilitation: a controlled study of matched pairs.

OBJECTIVES: Physiotherapy programmes so far mainly address the lateral deformity of scoliosis, a few aim at the correction of rotation and only very few address the sagittal profile. Meanwhile, there is evidence that correction forces applied in the sagittal plane are also able to correct the scoliotic deformity in the coronal and frontal planes. So it should be possible to improve excellence in scoliosis rehabilitation by the implementation of exercises to correct the sagittal deformity in scoliosis patients. An exercise programme (physio-logic exercises) aiming at a physiologic sagittal profile was developed to add to the programme applied at the centre or to replace certain exercises or exercising positions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: To test the hypothesis that physio-logic exercises improve the outcome of Scoliosis Intensive Rehabilitation (SIR), the following study design was chosen: Prospective controlled trial of pairs of patients with idiopathic scoliosis matched by sex, age, Cobb angle and curve pattern. There were 18 patients in the treatment group (SIR + physio-logic exercises) and 18 patients in the control group (SIR only), all in matched pairs. Average Cobb angle in the treatment group was 34.5 degrees (SD 7.8) Cobb angle in the control group was 31.6 degrees (SD 5.8). Age in the treatment group was at average 15.3 years (SD 1.1) and in the control group 14.7 years (SD 1.3). Thirteen of the 18 patients in either group had a brace. Outcome parameter: average lateral deviation (mm), average surface rotation ( degrees ) and maximum Kyphosis angle ( degrees ) as evaluated with the help of surface topography (Formetric-system). RESULTS: Lateral deviation (mm) decreased significantly after the performance of the physio-logic programme and highly significantly in the physio-logic ADL posture; however, it was not significant after completion of the whole rehabilitation programme (2.3 vs 0.3 mm in the controls). Surface rotation improved at average 1.2 degrees in the treatment group and 0.8 degrees in the controls while Kyphosis angle did not improve in both groups. DISCUSSION: The physio-logic programme has to be regarded as a useful 'add on' to Scoliosis Rehabilitation with regards to the lateral deviation of the scoliotic trunk. A longitudinal controlled study is necessary to evaluate the long-term effect of the the physio-logic programme also with the help of X-rays.

Adolescent↗

Growth and maturation of adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis.

The growth and maturation of 409 adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis was prospectively observed and analyzed. Growth of children with scoliosis did not appear to differ from that of their normal peers. However, when measurement of growth was corrected for skeletal age, the children with scoliosis were found to be taller and heavier. Both boys and girls with scoliosis were found to be taller and heavier. Both boys and girls with scoliosis showed a significant tendency for delay in skeletal age (P less than 0.0001), and the girls showed a significant tendency for a delay of puberty (P less than 0.0001). The late skeletal and sexual development observed for the entire series was even more apparent for the girls, for whom spinal curvature exceeded 20 degrees (P less than 0.0001). The authors urge that a menstrual history and a skeletal age determination be included in the initial examination of patients with scoliosis.

Adolescent↗

Three-dimensional analysis of right thoracic idiopathic scoliosis.

Three-dimensional spinal analysis was performed on thirty-one female patients with untreated right thoracic idiopathic scoliosis to determine the relationship between the degree of scoliosis and the degree of kyphosis, maximal curvature, and apical vertebral displacement. The degree of scoliosis did not correlate with the degree of thoracic kyphosis. Six patients had thoracic kyphosis over 50 degrees, 19 patients had a kyphosis between 20-50 degrees, and the last six patients had a thoracic kyphosis less than 20 degrees. The apex of the scoliosis was at or below the apex of the thoracic kyphosis in all patients except one. The degree of displacement of the apical vertebrae had a positive correlation (r = 0.732) with the degree of scoliosis. The maximal curvature of the spine was correlated (r = 0.613) with the degree of scoliosis.

Adolescent↗

Degenerative adult onset scoliosis.

There are people who have no history of scoliosis who develop spinal deformity of a progressive nature as adults, associated with severe degenerative disc disease. The clinical syndrome associated with this deformity is not well documented. In an attempt to describe this clinical syndrome more precisely, 21 patients with the diagnosis of degenerative scoliosis were identified and reviewed. Review included history with pain drawings when available, physical examination, bone densities, and standing spinal roentgenograms. Patients with spinal compression fractures, spondylolyses, prior history of scoliosis or radiographic findings consistent with an idiopathic scoliosis were excluded. Our review shows that these patients can develop, along with progressive scoliosis, loss of lumbar lordosis with a resulting flat back deformity. These patients commonly present in the sixth decade with a predominantly stenotic symptom complex, but often lack the classic feature of relief in a sitting posture. The number of male and female patients was approximately equal. Roentgenogram findings show a high angle deformity over a short number of spinal segments and an absence of bony features associated with idiopathic scoliosis such as lateral vertebral wedging and alterations of the lamina. The incidence of this condition remains to be established.

Adult↗

Scoliosis associated with lumbar spondylolisthesis. A clinical survey of 190 young patients.

A series of 190 patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis treated operatively during the years 1948-80 at the mean age of 15.2 years (8-19 years) and reexamined 4-36 years (mean 11.2 years) later are presented. In 92 of them (48%) scoliosis (more than 5 degrees) in association with olisthesis was seen. The slipping affected the fifth segment in 90 and fourth segment in two patients. The female predominance was characteristic in the scoliotic group. Dysplastic changes of the posterior arc were more often seen in the group of patients with scoliosis than in the nonscoliotic group, and they also presented a more severe grade of slipping and lumbosacral kyphosis. The curve was usually mild and was situated in the lumbar area. Patients with a higher degree of lumbosacral kyphosis and more severe slipping also had a statistically higher degree of lumbar scoliosis. Operative treatment of spondylolisthesis consisted of posterior or posterolateral fusion in situ, but two patients were treated using ventral fusion and three severe cases with removal of loose posterior element. Lumbar scoliosis classified as sciatic type disappeared in 25 out of 39 patients after lumbosacral fusion, suggesting the "sciatic muscle spasm" as an etiologic factor. The torsional type of curve resulting from asymmetrical slipping of the vertebra was also corrected in 19 out of 28 cases after fusion. At follow-up patients with remaining lumbar scoliosis represented more low-back pain than those without any curve. In our opinion lumbosacral fusion is indicated before lumbar curve changes to structural scoliosis in symptomatic patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

Idiopathic scoliosis in males. A natural history study.

Curve behavior of idiopathic scoliosis in an exclusively male population was investigated, since it has not been previously reported. Fifty males with idiopathic scoliosis satisfied entry requirements for this study: standing posteroanterior (PA) spine radiograph measuring a curve greater than 20 degrees, preoperative observation for greater than 1 year (mean, 4.4 years), and nonoperative patients with greater than 5 years of radiographic follow-up beyond skeletal maturity (mean, 10.7 years). Mean rate of curve progression from presentation to Risser 4 maturation was 3.0 degrees/year. Forty-four percent of the curves progressed 5 degrees or more between Risser 4 and 5. The rate of curve progression following Risser 5 was 0.18 degrees/year. Thoracic curves were associated with a higher degree of curve progression than other curve types (P less than 0.05). There was no statistically significant association between curve progression and family history, vertebral rotation, Risser sign, or curve magnitude. Curve progression secondary to growth usually terminates at Risser 4 in females with idiopathic scoliosis. This study indicated that scoliotic male curves demonstrated clinically significant progression until Risser 5 rather than Risser 4. Thus, the authors conclude that males with idiopathic scoliosis curves greater than 20 degrees should be followed radiographically until Risser 5. In females, scoliosis beyond Risser 4 can be considered as an adult curve; however, in males, scoliosis can be evaluated as an adult curve only after Risser 5. Beyond Risser 5, male curves demonstrate minimal progression.

Adolescent↗