Scoliosis

Grace Zolkowski
What is Scoliosis?
• An abnormal curving of the
spine

• Everyone’s spine is naturally

curved

• People with scoliosis, have a

bigger curve or the spine is
twisted

• The curve can be seen as an

“S” or “C”
How do you
Develop scoliosis?
• Scoliosis can be present at birth
(Congenital Scoliosis)

• Or as you go through adolescence,

you can develop curvature through
the spine. (Idiopathic Scoliosis)
What are the symptoms of
scoliosis?
• Backache

• Lower back pain

• Weakness of tired feeling throughout the back after sitting or

standing for a set amount of time

• Uneven hips or shoulders

Does Scoliosis spread?
• Scoliosis cannot spread from person to person by contact.

• Scoliosis isn’t known as a genetic disorder.

• Specialist aren’t sure if its passed down through your genes, it’s a
possibility though.

• Some cases are heredity, other cases can have an unknown cause.
How can you cure scoliosis?
• Scoliosis has no certain cure.

• Some cases are not curable, and some cases go away on their own

• There are many different methods of treatment.

• Scoliosis is not a fatal condition

21 degree 60
curve degree
curve
Treatment
• The treatment depends
on…

- The cause of the scoliosis

- Where the curve is

- How big the curve is

- If you are still growing

Treatments

• Back brace: will hold the curve in place,

and prevent further damage

• Spinal fusion: depends on the case;

surgery to fuse the spine into a well
balanced position.
 Spinal Fusion Surgery
• The spinal fusion surgery is a multiple step process.

• First the doctors make an incision (either posterior or anterior, depends on what is
best for the patient)

• Then, rods, hooks, wires, and screws are attached to prevent the curve from
getting worse.

• After the rods are attached, small pieces of bone are pulled and attached to the
spinal cord

• Bone pieces will grow together with the spinal cord, fusing the backbone into the
right position.

• Eventually, when the time comes, the rods and hooks, are to be removed.
Spinal Fusion Surgery
• This surgery is used
when the curve is very
severe, there is extreme
pain when doing
activities, and bracing is
no longer an option.
• Goal of surgery: Not to
achieve a perfectly
straight spine, but a
balanced spine
• Risks: Neurological
complications,
infections, lung
problems
Types of Scoliosis
• Idiopathic Scoliosis: the most common type

• Congenital Scoliosis: present at birth

• Neuromuscular scoliosis: caused by a nervous system

problem that then affects the spine.
Interesting Facts
• Scoliosis is more common in females than males

• Adolescent girls can be up to 10 times more likely to

develop idiopathic scoliosis

• Many famous athletes have scoliosis, such as Usain Bolt

• 3% of the population has scoliosis (200 million people)

• Animals can have scoliosis

Cited Sources
• “10 Interesting Facts About Scoliosis.” Scoliosis SOS Clinic, 7 Nov. 2016,
www.scoliosissos.com/news/post/10-interesting-facts-about-scoliosis.
• Louise. “10 Facts about Scoliosis That May Surprise You.” Living with Scoliosis, 11 June 2017,
helpformyscoliosis.com/2017/06/scoliosis-facts/.
• “Scoliosis.” MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, A.D.A.M, 5 Mar. 2018,
medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001241.htm.
• Ullrich, Peter F. “Lumbar Spinal Fusion Surgery.” Spine-Health, Veritas Health, 11 Nov. 2013,
www.spine-health.com/treatment/spinal-fusion/lumbar-spinal-fusion-surgery