Idiopathic scoliosis

Mechanism and manifestations

Trunk asymmetry or a rib prominence may prompt screening. Idiopathic does not mean caused by poor posture or necessarily painful; progression risk depends partly on remaining growth and curve magnitude.

Diagnosis and management

Examination and standing radiographs assess features including the Cobb angle. Observation, specific exercise, bracing or surgery depends on age and progression. Symptom-focused care does not replace monitoring of a potentially progressive curve.

Points to consider

Deformity assessment considers age, remaining growth, global balance and symptoms. Images must be interpreted in light of acquisition position. Goals may include function and comfort, limiting progression or neurological protection, depending on the situation.

Role of TAGMED care

At TAGMED, assessment aims to understand symptoms, history and functional limitations. Manual care and osteopathy, motorized spinal decompression, laser and shockwave have different indications. The term described in this entry is not enough to select any of these modalities. Their relevance, limitations and possible contraindications should be discussed in relation to diagnosis and individual goals.

Related concepts and distinctions

These concepts belong to the same field, but are not synonyms.

• Degenerative scoliosis — Adult scoliotic deformity related to asymmetric disc and joint degeneration, sometimes developing after skeletal maturity.
• Hyperkyphosis — Excessive posterior-convex spinal curvature, usually thoracic, which may be postural or structural.
• Flatback syndrome — Sagittal alignment disorder characterized by loss of lumbar lordosis that may make standing upright difficult without compensatory posture.

Medical references

1. Scoliosis Research Society. Scoliosis.
2. OpenStax, Rice University. Anatomy and Physiology 2e — The Vertebral Column.

References document the topic; their inclusion does not imply endorsement of TAGMED services by those organizations.