Scoliosis

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses adolescent idiopathic scoliosis which is defined as a lateral spinal curvature of greater than 10 degrees and for which no pathological cause can be determined and the initial assessment focuses on the identification of any treatable underlying pathology. According to the paper, this condition is probably genetic. The paper further discusses the symptoms of the condition and related problems.

From the Paper:

"For patients with a curve severe enough to require surgery (greater than 45 degrees in adolescents and greater that 50 degrees in adults), rod placement and bone grafting may be necessary to achieve partial or complete correction (Greiner). Surgical intervention may improve the curve, unlike bracing that is intended merely to stop curve progression (Bassett). Arthrodesis, or fusion, of the vertebrae in the corrected position will keep the spine in the corrected position (Bassett). Bone is usually taken from the iliac crest to use as bone graft and to facilitate spinal fusion, however allograft bone may also be used (Bassett). Usually, fusion of the spine becomes solid about six months postoperatively, and then the majority of patients are permitted to resume normal physical activities (Bassett). "

Sample of Sources Used:

• "Adolescent scoliosis outcomes 50 years down the road." The Back Letter. May 01 2003. Retrieved April 14 2006 from HighBeam Research Library Web site.
• Bassett, George S. "Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: an update."American Family Physician. May 15 1996. Retrieved April 14 2006 from HighBeam Research Library Web site.
• Greiner, K. Allen. "Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Radiologic Decision-Making."American Family Physician. May 01 2002. Retrieved April 14 2006 from HighBeam Research Library Web site.
• Hedden, Douglas M. "Comparison of three noninvasive methods for measuring scoliosis." Physical Therapy. September 01 1992. Retrieved April 14 2006 from HighBeam Research Library Web site.
• Slakey, Joseph B. "Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Review and Current Concepts." American Family Physician. July 01 2001. Retrieved April 14 2006 from HighBeam Research Library Web site.

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