What is Spinal Scoliosis?

What is Spinal Scoliosis?

Spinal scoliosis, also known as lateral curvature of the spine or spinal lateral deviation, is a medical condition where the spine undergoes abnormal rotational and three-dimensional bending. The most common manifestation is the abnormal curvature in the coronal plane, while in the sagittal plane, it typically refers to abnormal curvatures in the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. In medical practice, scoliosis is generally diagnosed based on full-spine X-rays taken in a standing position, with the Cobb angle (the angle between the vertical lines drawn from the upper endplate of the uppermost vertebra and the lower endplate of the lowermost vertebra) greater than 10 degrees as the definitive diagnostic criterion.

Based on the Cobb angle measurement, the severity of spinal scoliosis can be categorized as follows:

- Mild scoliosis: Cobb angle from 10 degrees (exclusive) to 20 degrees (exclusive).

- Moderate scoliosis: Cobb angle from 20 degrees (inclusive) to 40 degrees (inclusive).

- Severe scoliosis: Cobb angle greater than 40 degrees.

Typically, girls reach skeletal maturity around the age of 16, while boys are about 1 to 1.5 years later. The epiphyses of the skeleton close completely at around 24 years old. Before skeletal maturity, the condition of spinal scoliosis may worsen rapidly due to rapid bone growth. Therefore, close monitoring and appropriate interventions are essential during this stage. Treatment at this stage often involves the use of braces primarily, along with exercise interventions. After skeletal maturity, the degree of spinal scoliosis generally stabilizes, and braces become less effective. Physical therapy becomes the main approach. Surgical correction in adults has a lower success rate compared to children and adolescents, with higher surgical risks and complication rates. Thus, early diagnosis and treatment of spinal scoliosis are crucial to prevent severe consequences.