Scoliosis
What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis has two components: a side-to-side bending of the vertebrae, which
produces a lateral curvature of the spine; and a rotation of the vertebral body,
which produces the prominence of the ribs and shoulder blade on one side of the
back. Both may be apparent, but it is
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Illustration A |
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Illustration B |
often the rotation of the vertebrae — which causes the “rib hump” — that is most
noticeable.
Sometimes scoliosis does not require any treatment. It can remain quite small
and cause no problems. However, when the curvature has progressed a certain degree,
problems will most likely develop during adult life. These problems may include
further progression of the curvature (despite the fact that growth is finished),
pain, cosmetic deformity, and problems with the heart and lungs.