Scoliosis describes the curvature of the spine when viewed from the front or back. The body is curved sideways. This usually results in one shoulder being higher. Sometimes there is a hump on one side of the back, especially when bending forward. In this case, the ribs in the dorsal part of the rib cage protrude asymmetrically towards the back. Scoliosis should not be confused with kyphosis. In kyphosis, when looking at the spine from the side, especially the dorsal spine, sometimes the cervical and lumbar spine curve forward. Sometimes scoliosis and kyphosis can be seen together.
Children with scoliosis are firstly examined for other possible developmental anomalies of the spine. Sometimes pathologies such as split spinal cord syndrome (diastometamyelia), tethered cord syndrome (tethered cord syndrome) can be seen in these children. In children and young people, scoliosis can manifest itself as externally visible curvatures of the body, different alignment of the shoulders or a humped back that becomes apparent when leaning forward. In adult and elderly scoliosis, the complaint is usually low back and leg pain, difficulty walking and balance problems. It may cause findings such as deterioration of posture (standing posture) and balance.
Patients with suspected scoliosis usually need to be examined radiologically after the examination. The examination is usually started with scoliosis radiography. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is used for detailed examination of the spinal cord and soft tissues and Computed Tomography (CT) is used for detailed examination of the bones. Especially in children, scoliosis in the thoracic region (back) may cause respiratory problems as a result of narrowing of the thorax and decreased lung capacity. Respiratory tests may be necessary for these patients.
While some scolioses are followed up with conservative treatment, some need surgical treatment. While it is sometimes necessary to recommend a corset for scolioses that are followed up, they are sometimes included in exercise programmes by physiotherapists.
Scoliosis is analysed in various classifications. Scoliosis that develops in childhood for unknown reasons is called idiopathic scoliosis, scoliosis due to neurological or muscular diseases is called neuromuscular scoliosis, scoliosis due to developmental anomalies of the spine at birth is called congenital scoliosis, and scoliosis seen with degeneration in older people is called adult degenerative scoliosis.