Evidence-Based Practice In Screening For Scoliosis And Treatment

The term “scoliosis” originates from the Greek word meaning crooked, and it describes lateral curvature and rotation of the spine. This deformity is mostly seen in normal, rapidly growing, preadolescent and adolescent children, although it can span all age groups (Dunn, 1978). Onset of this condition appears to be at 10 years of age, however about 80% of all types of scoliosis are idiopathic. Two to five percent of school children have a Cobb angle of ≥10º, and in two tents of a percent the angle exceeds 20°. Other common types include congenital/ osteogenic scoliosis secondary to vertebral anomalies, neuropathic scoliosis, and neuromuscular scoliosis. The treatment and prognosis for this condition depends on distinction between different types (Abul-Kasim, 2010). Using different classification there are two fundamental types of scoliosis: nonstructural (reversible) and structural (irreversible). The natural history of structural (irreversible) scoliosis involves progression of the curve as long as the potential growth remains, or until skeletal maturity is reached. In the case of nonstructural scoliosis, the progression might not occur or even spontaneous improvement in degree of curvature might be noted. Ossification of vertebral ring and iliac apophyses is used in assessment of skeletal maturity in girls between 13 and 16 years of age and in boys between 14 and 17 (Dunn, 1978).

Scoliosis produces secondary changes in vertebral body (rotation and wedging) and the rib cage (rotation), if left untreated, however if the curve is greater than 60° cardiopulmonary function (vital capacity) can be irreversibly impaired and life expectancy can be compromised (Dunn, 1978). Symptoms of impairment to cardiopulmonary function ...

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