Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Abstract

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common form of structural spinal deformities that have a radiological lateral Cobb angle - a measure of spinal curvature - of ≥10(°). AIS affects between 1% and 4% of adolescents in the early stages of puberty and is more common in young women than in young men. The condition occurs in otherwise healthy individuals and currently has no recognizable cause. In the past few decades, considerable progress has been made towards understanding the clinical patterns and the three-dimensional pathoanatomy of AIS. Advances in biomechanics and technology and their clinical application, supported by limited evidence-based research, have led to improvements in the safety and outcomes of surgical and non-surgical treatments. However, the definite aetiology and aetiopathogenetic mechanisms that underlie AIS are still unclear. Thus, at present, both the prevention of AIS and the treatment of its direct underlying cause are not possible.

Scoliosis in association with the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome: an observational study

“…By means of these biomechanical characteristics it might be possible to truly identify the similarities and possible differences between idiopathic scoliosis and 22q11.2DS scoliosis. No uniform cause has ever been found for the development of AIS 10. AIS is more common in girls than in boys with a ratio of 2.7 for spinal curves exceeding 10° and 4.5 for curves exceeding 20° 36.…”

Scoliosis convexity and organ anatomy are related

“…Idiopathic scoliosis is a classic and intriguing orthopaedic problem in which the spine collapses into a three-dimensional deformity without a known underlying cause [1]. In its most common form, it is a right convex main thoracic curve with compensatory high-thoracic and (thoraco)lumbar curves to the left [2,3].…”

“…Idiopathic scoliosis is a three-dimensional (3-D) deformity of the spine and trunk that primarily affects previously healthy children during the adolescent growth spurt, without any underlying known pathology [1]. A major unexplained aspect of idiopathic scoliosis is that the main thoracic spinal curve is most commonly (80-99%) convex to the right with or without compensatory curves to the left in the high-thoracic and thoraco(lumbar) areas, respectively [2,3].…”

Prognostic Value of Bone Mineral Density on Curve Progression: A Longitudinal Cohort Study of 513 Girls with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

“…Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is a complex three-dimensional structural deformity of the spine with unknown etiology that commonly occurs in girls aged between 10 and 1612. Prevalence of AIS is about 2–4% worldwide and approximately 10% of those diagnosed with AIS require treatment1.…”

“…Immature patients whose Cobb angle < 25° are usually assigned for observation or physiotherapy, following by bracing if curve progresses to 25°–45°. Severe curve with Cobb angle ≥ 45° may require surgery to correct and stabilize the spinal deformity to prevent further deterioration23. The surgical procedure involves fusion and will cause loss of spinal mobility and quality of life4.…”