Scoliosis

... is a complex three-dimensional spinal condition, and about 65% of all cases are idiopathic [1].

The word scoliosis is derived from the Greek word Skolios, meaning twisted. Hippocrates (460-375 BC) coined the term scoliosis for the condition. Scoliosis definition [2] is generally an irregular side-bending and twisting of the spine. This side-bending and twisting may be in the shape of an “S” or a “C” and will consequently affect the position of the ribs, shoulders, pelvis, and hips.

The scoliosis drawing depicts an example of one type of scoliosis. The ribs (green and yellow) are attached to the thoracic vertebrae of the spine. The rotation of the spine forces the ribs to rotate in the same direction. In moderate to severe cases, a “hump” may be visible.

Also noticeable is the appearance of an uneven shoulder level. This unevenness is due to the sideways glide of the thoracic spine. The sideways glide of the thoracic spine is always towards the same side as the “hump.” The side the spine glides towards is called the Convex (curved out). The side the spine glides away from is called concave (curved in).

In some cases, an uneven hip/pelvis level can also occur. This unevenness is due to the scoliotic curve in the lower spine and shifting in the pelvic bone.

The type of scoliosis typically falls into one of three categories: Congenital (present at birth with anatomical deformity), secondarily to other disorders such as MS or stroke, or Idiopathic (the cause is unknown).

Furthermore, idiopathic scoliosis is divided into other subcategories to pinpoint the exact type: compensated vs. non-compensated, type of curve (C-curve, S-curve, multiple curves), and whether or not the pelvis is involved.