Types and manifestations of right-sided and left-sided thoracolumbar scoliosis of 1, 2, 3, 4 degrees

Thoracolumbar scoliosis encompasses symptoms of disease of the thoracic and lumbar spine at the same time. As a result, clinical manifestations of pathology rather complicated. They require early detection and treatment.

Doctors believe the disease is malignant the adverse current against the development of paralysis and paraplegia (immobilisation of limbs and loss of sensation of organs).

Early signs of the disease in children

The First symptoms of this spinal deformity found in children aged 8-10 years. If at this age to detect the disease, it can be treated effectively. Over the years, the hope for a full recovery decreases.

The clinical signs of this pathology is classified into 3 groups:

• Congenital (inherited, genetic);
• Acquired (mechanical, physical)
• Idiopathic.

Congenital lateral curvature of the spine appears against the background of underdevelopment of the vertebrae (cleft arches, aplasia bodies) or fusion of individual segments of the spine (sacralization, globalizacija). Cause of congenital forms of pathology are considered to be birth trauma, insufficient blood supply to the fetus, harmful habits of the mother.

Purchased in left or right scoliosis occurs more often than other forms. It is formed when the incorrect posture, poor nutrition, lack of physical activity or because of degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the spine in the elderly.

In idiopathic curvature doctors reveal the reason that caused the disease. It is believed that this form occurs in the action of several precipitating factors for osteo-ligamentous apparatus of the vertebral column.

Right-sided thoracolumbar scoliosis of 2 degrees (with an angle of curvature at 22 degrees). To assess the degree of curvature applied method of Cobb: the lines the maximum and minimum of the curve and perpendiculars to them. In the region of intersection of the measured angle.

Classification by degrees, and strain

Right-sided thoracolumbar scoliosis of 2 degrees – the most common type of lateral curvature in adults. It is caused by excessive physical exertion is loaded with mostly the right half of the body.

Children are more frequently observed left-sided deformity of 1 or 2 degrees. This is due to the weakness of skeletal muscles on the left side. In addition, the child when sitting at a school Desk subconsciously rejects the vertebral column to the left for ease of writing, as on the right of the Desk is a notebook.

Radiology degree lateral curvature in the thoracolumbar division:

• 1 degree is characterized by the curvature of the bend to 10 degrees to the right or left;
• 2 degree – angle deformation to 25 degrees (see illustration);
• 3 degree of curvature to 50 degrees;
• grade 4 – more than 50 degrees.

depending on the deformation characteristics of the vertebral axis identify the following types of thoracolumbar scoliosis:

• S-shape has 2 opposite arcs (lumbar and thoracic);
• C-shaped – a single arc of curvature
• Z-type – 3 arc deformation.

At 1 degree arc bends is not clearly traced in the external examination. Diagnosis is based on radiographs of the thoracolumbar spine in frontal projection.

At 2 degrees to assume a diagnosis based on visual inspection of the human spine. Thus the vertical axis of the torso may be moved to the right or left. When bending the curvature is not aligned.

Top of right-hand bend most often located at the level of 10-12 thoracic vertebrae (Th10-Th12). The upper apex of the curve most often placed at the level of Th6 and lower L1 or L2.

left-sided thoracolumbar deformity of the spine is less common, but is characterized by more aggressive course. Its manifestation in children is rarely accompanied by pain syndrome, but in adults the disease is characterized by the presence of neurological and movement disorders.

The Disease is also complicated by a twisting of the vertebrae around the longitudinal axis (rotation). This phenomenon reinforces the infringement of the nerve roots in the spinal hole.

Clinical symptoms of thoracolumbar scoliosis

The symptoms of the disease are conditioned not only by the degree of curvature, but also features of structure and localization of the pathological curvature of the arcs. The main symptoms are generated by the primary arc.

Secondary signs of pathology are compensatory and are intended to align the vertical axis under the action of depreciationload.

At 1 stage pathologies pain syndrome occurs rarely. It appears with the progression of the curvature (2 and 3 degree). Externally, this stage is manifested by the presence of:

• chest Deformation;
• Spinal hump;
• the Location of the shoulders at different levels;
• Cultivation of the blades to the sides;
• Asymmetry triangles waist.

With 2 degrees, a shift in the internal organs. Against this background, symptoms secondary pathology:

• Difficulty breathing and cardiac activity;
• Swelling in the legs;
• Cyanosis of the skin;
• Inflammatory bowel disease and reproductive system;
• Pathology of the liver and kidneys.

These symptoms often forms a left-sided scoliosis. Right-sided deformation does not cause displacement of the heart.

Other symptoms of lateral curvature of the 1, 2 and 3 levels:

• Intercostal neuralgia (pain in the intercostal spaces)
• numbness of the upper extremities;
• back Pain
• loss of the intervertebral discs in the thoracic and lumbar
• Radiating pain in lower limb.

To evaluate neurological manifestations in pathology neurologists used a sample of Lassega. It consists of 3 phases:

1. Flexion at the knee evaluates the tension of the sciatic nerve. If he struck, the knee joint cannot be straightened;
2. the Second phase evaluated the contractility of the muscular-ligamentous apparatus of the thighs;
3. Third phase – analysis of flexion in the hip joint. While tensing the leg muscles a man can't stretch his legs in the horizontal plane.

Test Lassega is the best option for evaluation of the lower extremities if the infringement of nerve fibers.

Thus, thoracolumbar scoliosis is a complex disease that includes symptoms of disease of the thoracic and lumbar spine at the same time. It is better to treat in a timely manner, so as in prognostic terms, these curvature 1 and 2 degrees adversely.