Medical Health Encyclopedia

Some experts argue that simply measuring the degree of the curve may not identify patients in the moderate and severe groups who are at greatest risk for lung problems. Other factors (e.g., spinal flexibility, the extent of asymmetry between the ribs and the vertebrae) may be more important in predicting severity in this group.

Effects on Bones

A number of factors associated with scoliosis increase the risk for bone loss, which is referred to as osteopenia. People with osteopenia are at greatly increased risk of osteoporosis, a common problem in older women that can cause broken bones and is particularly dangerous for women with a history of scoliosis. Experts recommend that children with scoliosis be screened for osteopenia so that measures can be taken to help prevent osteoporosis later on.

The external structures of the heart include the ventricles, atria, arteries and veins. Arteries carry blood away from the heart while veins carry blood into the heart. The vessels colored blue indicate the transport of blood with relatively low content of oxygen and high content of carbon dioxide. The vessels colored red indicate the transport of blood with relatively high content of oxygen and low content of carbon dioxide.

Long -Term Problems in Previously Treated Scoliosis Patients

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Studies are reporting that after 20 years or more scoliosis patients who had been previously treated with surgery experience small but significant physical impairment, mainly mild back problems, compared to their peers without scoliosis. In one study, 65% of patients reported some low back pain (compared to 47% of people without a history of scoliosis). In general it was mild, although 45% of patients reported having to take days off from work compared to 19% of nonscolosis patients. In another study, only 1.5% of the scoliosis group had severe debilitating back pain. In general, the quality of life was similar, however. Pain also did not play a major role in social limitations.