Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine. Scoliosis is idiopathic if no triggering cause can be identified. Idiopathic scoliosis often causes no symptoms at first and is therefore only found by chance. Regular check-ups are often sufficient without treatment. In severe cases, surgery is necessary to correct the curvature of the spine.
Find out more about idiopathic scoliosis here and find selected scoliosis specialists.
Idiopathic scoliosis is a manifestation of scoliosis. Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine, which is always accompanied by a twisting of the spine. The word "scoliosis" comes from the ancient Greek and means "curvature".
In scoliosis, the course of the spine deviates laterally from its natural longitudinal axis. In most cases, this lateral curvature of the spine has several opposing arches.
To maintain physical balance, the body tries to counteract this. This inevitably leads to
of individual vertebral bodies, as the muscles alone are no longer able to compensate.
The spinal deformity of scoliosis already develops in childhood or adolescence. Particularly during phases of pronounced growth, e.g. during puberty, further curvatures occur.
As far as possible, the determination of the individual types of scoliosis is based on
In the so-called curvature pattern, doctors divide into
The maincauses of congenital scoliosis are malformed vertebral bodies and vertebral body segments. Neuromuscular disorders with impaired signal transmission for muscle function can also cause scoliosis. In addition, untreated leg length discrepancies are sometimes the cause of scoliosis. The latter can also influence the progression of the disease.
As part of the diagnosis, doctors try to find out the cause of the individual case. Clinical and radiological examination methods are used.
If no cause for the scoliosis can be identified, the doctor speaks of idiopathic scoliosis.
The term "idiopathy", like "scoliosis", comes from the ancient Greek and means "self-suffering". Idiopathic scoliosis is therefore an independent disease state without a known triggering cause.
Depending on the time of onset of idiopathic scoliosis (IS), doctors differentiate between three forms:
The peak incidence of idiopathic scoliosis occurs between the ages of 10 and 12. Infantile and juvenile scolioses are also grouped together as 'early-onset' scolioses.
A scoliosis that is only diagnosed in adulthood can be a previously undetected but persistent idiopathic adolescent scoliosis. However, it could also be a degenerative adult scoliosis (de novo scoliosis). This form of scoliosis is caused by degenerative changes in the spine or vertebral bodies.
Idiopathic scoliosis shows the same symptoms as conventional scoliosis. These are recognizable at first glance:
The symptoms do not necessarily occur at the same time, nor do they all have to occur at the same time.
Initially, idiopathic scoliosis often causes no pain and goes unnoticed. The malformed spine leads to further deformations or degradation processes over time after the body has finished growing. Patients then sometimes complain of
Patients find it increasingly difficult to maintain a straight back posture. In advanced cases, prolonged standing and walking is difficult and the patient's functionality is significantly restricted.
If the curvature of the spine is more severe, the rib cage can become deformed or constricted. This can lead to functional disorders of the heart and lungs. In addition, severe scoliosis can cause the lower ribs and the iliac crest to touch each other painfully.
Idiopathic scoliosis does not necessarily cause symptoms if it is not very pronounced. The diagnosis is then often made as an incidental finding, i.e. as part of examinations for other reasons.
If idiopathic scoliosis is suspected, the doctor examines the back of the standing patient. He also checks the legs for different lengths. Differences in leg length are analyzed when the patient is lying down and standing.
Another important examination tool is the Adams forward bend test: The patient continues to turn their back to the doctor and bends forward while standing. Irregularities in the course of the spine and the ribs extending from it become more apparent during this test.
An X-ray examination of the spine in the frontal plane and in the lateral plane confirms the diagnosis.
Full spinal radiographs also enable the assessment of the patient's bony maturity status by imaging the iliac crests. The different types of curvature are analyzed:
The following are also assessed
In the evaluation of the X-ray image, the doctor uses the Cobb angle to measure the degree of existing spinal curvature. The Cobb angle covers a measurement range from 10° for slight deviations to 30° - and occasionally more - for severe curvatures.
This is striking: The higher the Cobb angle, the more it affects girls and women. Female patients are around seven times more likely to be affected by a Cobb angle of 30°.
Mild idiopathic scoliosis with a Cobb angle of less than 10° does not yet require treatment. However, it is advisable to have a known scoliosis checked regularly. Orthopaedists, preferably a specialist in spinal curvatures, are the people to contact for the treatment of scoliosis.
For scolioses of a maximum of 20°, a medical check-up every 6 months is sufficient. X-rays may also be taken if necessary.
For scolioses of 20-30° upwards, the doctor will continue to order regular check-ups. He may also recommend the use of a corset. The more consistently the corset is worn, the more effective its effect!
Surgical correction promises good results in the case of severe idiopathic scoliosis.
The spinal surgeon performs a fusion of the responsible spinal sections.
This means that the affected vertebral bodies are corrected in their position and then fixed. This straightens the spine. The disadvantage, however, is that the fixed vertebrae can no longer be moved. Patients must therefore expect somewhat limited mobility. For this reason, the highest principle is: always as short as possible and only as long as necessary.
Stiffening of affected sections of the spine © stockdevil | AdobeStock
Dynamic scoliosis correction is used for children with pronounced scoliosis (40-60°). The doctor uses so-called growth rods, which can adapt to the child's growth.
The chosen surgeon should have special expertise and experience in the field of scoliosis surgery. It is best to look for a specialist in scoliosis surgery.
Severe idiopathic scoliosis is also a psychological burden for many sufferers. Psychotherapy as a complementary treatment provides support and helps with further coping with the condition.
Today, excellent results can be achieved with both conservative and surgical therapies. Functionality, education and professional life should rarely be significantly restricted.
The development of strong muscles is important for good results with scoliosis and after scoliosis therapy. This is essential for an efficient musculoskeletal system. This is where
to prevent unfavorable progression and complaints with increasing age.
Idiopathic scoliosis occurs in varying degrees of spinal curvature. Initially, it often causes no symptoms and is more of an incidental finding. Later symptoms are manifested in particular by pain in the lower back and when standing and walking for long periods.
Our modern medicine has helpful treatment methods for patients. Specialist therapies enable those affected by idiopathic scoliosis to enjoy a rewarding quality of life, even in the long term.
The Leading Medicine Guide's quality assurance is ensured by the following acceptance prerequisites.
