Scoliosis

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Forward bend test	Scoliosis	Scoliosis	Scoliosis brace
Signs of scoliosis	Skeletal spine	Spinal curves	Spinal fusion

Spinal curvature; Kyphoscoliosis

• The spine curves abnormally to the side (laterally)
• Shoulders or hips appearing uneven
• Backache or low-back pain
• Fatigue

Note: Kyphoscoliosis also involves abnormal front-to-back curvature, with a "rounded back" appearance. See kyphosis.

The health care provider will perform a physical exam, which includes a forward bending test that will help the doctor define the curve. The degree of curve seen on an exam may underestimate the actual curve seen on an x-ray, so any child found with a curve is likely to be referred for an x-ray. The health care provider will perform a neurologic exam to look for any changes in strength, sensation, or reflexes.

Tests may include:

• Spine x-rays (taken from the front and the side)
• Scoliometer measurements (a device for measuring the curvature of the spine)
• MRI (if there are any neurologic changes noted on the exam or if there is something unusual in the x-ray )

Review Date: 05/15/2006
Reviewed By: Daniel Rauch, MD, FAAP, Director, Pediatric Hospitalist Program, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.