Classification of scoliosis according to the degrees, types and stages

The Degree of scoliosis (lateral displacement of the axis of the spinal column) are formed gradually. The rate of progression of pathology is determined by the causes and way of life.

Etiological types of scoliosis

depending on the underlying reason for the misalignment of the spine in the frontal (lateral) plane can be:

1. Congenital
2. Acquired.

Congenital curvature is formed when abnormalities of the skeleton during fetal development. Negatively on the formation of the spinal column in the fetus affect the mother of bad habits (Smoking, alcohol). Acquired scoliosis is influenced by secondary diseases – rickets, tuberculosis, polio, degenerative changes in the body. Types of scoliosis acquired character:

• Rheumatic fever – occurs after the disease of the throat (sore throat, tonsillitis). When generated, in which the inflammatory changes in the muscles of the back, which lead to the displacement of the axis of the spine in the lateral plane;
• Rachitic – is formed when a lack of vitamin D. due to this creates a weak muscular system;
• Nerve – is a consequence of cerebral palsy and some other nervous diseases;
• Familiar – is created on the background of the incorrect posture.

Types of scoliosis can be classified according to the anatomic features of deformation:

1. a Simple (unstructured)
2. Complex (structural).

The Simple view is not characterized by severe deformations and presents only a side movement of the spine. The main feature is the lack of rotation (twisting of the vertebrae around the axis). Structural type is classified into:

• Osadochnye;
• Compensatory
• Reflex
• Inflammatory
• Hysterical.

Ocenochnaja lateral deformation is observed in children aged 8 to 11 years due to poor posture. Its feature is that curvature alone does not disappear when lying down.

Compensatory view is a consequence of uneven limb length. In such a situation, the spine and the pelvis are always deflected in the direction of shortening. It should be noted that to eliminate the progression of the pathology of this type may be wearing orthopedic shoes.

Reflex is a type of "defensive posture" in some diseases of the nervous system.

Inflammatory deformation appears on the background of inflammation of individual muscle groups. It is often observed in inflammation of the perinephric tissue. Interestingly, the curvature disappears immediately after treatment of inflammatory changes.

The Hysterical type is not associated with a specific cause. It is observed in people with gipervozbujdenia nervous system, as a result of constant hypertonicity of the muscles of the back.

What are the features of structural curvature

The Structural type of distortion occurs in childhood and is characterized by complex anatomy of the vertebral column in the area of damage. Due to the rotation (the rotation of the vertebrae along the vertical axis) ribs moved back and spine creates hump. On the concave side the ribs are deflected forward and compressed.

Structural curvature is characterized by a single primary curvature. To maintain the correct head position, is additionally formed lateral bending in the cervical spine over curvature of the primary and compensatory curvature of the lumbar spine under it. This forms the S-shaped form of the vertebral axis, which was clearly visible in the picture in front projection.

In Addition to the degree of scoliosis in the selection of methods of treatment it is necessary to consider the pathogenetic links leading to its formation. Among them are:

• Neuropathic
• Osteopathy
• Fibroticheski;
• Metabolic
• Torecognize.

Myopathic and osteopathic types of deformations

to determine myopathic deformity of the spine It is necessary to investigate the strength and endurance of muscles. This is done in a hospital environment, equipped with dynamometers. Muscle strength is assessed before and after doing some gymnastic exercises.

Increasing muscle weakness is formed most often in adolescents with congenital deficiency of the musculature (myodystrophy). For example, when violated arthrogryposis movement in the joints, but the spine is not affected. However, due to the weight transfer of the body, it is moving in the direction of maximum load.

The Degree of scoliosis myopathic type are formed rather quickly. After the birth the doctors set 1 the stage of the disease. Without timely and effective correction of the disease progresses rapidly and often leads to a combined curvature in several departments at the same time.

Osteopathic lateral curvature of the spine Is also congenital. When itover time, the deformation of the vertebral bodies with the appearance of a rib hump (kyphosis congenital pathological).

Osteopathic type is observed also in congenital fragility of bones – "crystal disease" osteomalacia and osteoporosis. Osteomalacia often develops in elderly (senile) age. It lead to the various types of curvatures of the vertebral column.

Metabolic curvature of the spine are formed as a result of arachnodactyly, rickets, disorders of hormonal levels. Arachnodactyly – congenital disease, which significantly increased the fingers ("spider"), a disproportionately developed hands and feet. At the same time a person may receive dissecting aneurysm of the aorta. Hormonal scoliosis often appears in teenagers in puberty period.

How to know the degree of spinal curvature on x-ray

to Determine the degree of scoliosis by x-rays of the spine in the frontal projection. This applies to the Cobb technique, which are tangent lines to the upper and lower vertebra, forming a bend. To the data lines are perpendicular and their point of intersection measured the angle of curvature. Stages of scoliosis x-ray:

• step 1 – the angle of curvature not exceeding 10 degrees. As a rule, when the degree of external signs of deformation is not observed;
• stage 2 is the curvature from 11 to 25 degrees. Externally the 2nd stage, there was asymmetry of the zones of the upper extremities;
• stage 3 – vertex curvature of no more than 60 degrees. To diagnose the disease can in appearance, because the deformation of spine pronounced;
• stage 4 – angle greater than 61 degrees.

Thus, the classification of scoliosis reflects all the nuances and peculiarities of pathological process. It helps the physician to optimally assign the treatment regimen of the disease.