The development of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

There are many conflicting actiological theories for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. We present a simple new model of scoliosis and a mechanism by which it is initiated and progresses. This mechanism provides a final common pathway for the multiple aetiological factors. A simple model of the spine,...

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Manylion Llyfryddiaeth
Prif Awduron: Murray, D, Bulstrode, C
Fformat: Journal article
Iaith:English
Cyhoeddwyd: 1996
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author Murray, D
Bulstrode, C
author_facet Murray, D
Bulstrode, C
author_sort Murray, D
collection OXFORD
description There are many conflicting actiological theories for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. We present a simple new model of scoliosis and a mechanism by which it is initiated and progresses. This mechanism provides a final common pathway for the multiple aetiological factors. A simple model of the spine, incorporating its fundamental mechanical features, was constructed. The model consisted of interconnected anterior compression and posterior tension columns. It allowed normal spinal movements, with flexion limited by the posterior column and rotation centered around the anterior column. It also allowed deformities to develop. The ends of the model were fixed in the position of the vertebrae they represented. Overgrowth of the anterior column relative to the posterior column caused the model to take up the shape of an idiopathic scoliosis. The greater the overgrowth, the more marked the deformity. Normally anterior and posterior column growth are coupled. During the growth spurt the thoracic kyphosis flattens indicating that anterior growth temporarily exceeds posterior growth. If this over-growth is marked a scoliosis will develop, as demonstrated by the model. Once this occurs the coupling is lost, anterior growth further outstrips posterior growth and the deformity progresses. Not all scolioses worsen, as the tendency to progress is balanced by neuromuscular factors and remodelling. Factors that increase the growth rate, induce asymmetry or decrease the inherent stability of the spine all encourage the development and progression of a scoliosis. This explains the complex biomechanics of scoliosis and provides a final common pathway by which the multiple aetiological factors can induce idiopathic scoliosis. It has important implications for the understanding and treatment of this condition.
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spelling oxford-uuid:1dce4cf8-233d-4802-8cce-89aba839ade82022-03-26T11:12:56ZThe development of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.Journal articlehttp://purl.org/coar/resource_type/c_dcae04bcuuid:1dce4cf8-233d-4802-8cce-89aba839ade8EnglishSymplectic Elements at Oxford1996Murray, DBulstrode, CThere are many conflicting actiological theories for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. We present a simple new model of scoliosis and a mechanism by which it is initiated and progresses. This mechanism provides a final common pathway for the multiple aetiological factors. A simple model of the spine, incorporating its fundamental mechanical features, was constructed. The model consisted of interconnected anterior compression and posterior tension columns. It allowed normal spinal movements, with flexion limited by the posterior column and rotation centered around the anterior column. It also allowed deformities to develop. The ends of the model were fixed in the position of the vertebrae they represented. Overgrowth of the anterior column relative to the posterior column caused the model to take up the shape of an idiopathic scoliosis. The greater the overgrowth, the more marked the deformity. Normally anterior and posterior column growth are coupled. During the growth spurt the thoracic kyphosis flattens indicating that anterior growth temporarily exceeds posterior growth. If this over-growth is marked a scoliosis will develop, as demonstrated by the model. Once this occurs the coupling is lost, anterior growth further outstrips posterior growth and the deformity progresses. Not all scolioses worsen, as the tendency to progress is balanced by neuromuscular factors and remodelling. Factors that increase the growth rate, induce asymmetry or decrease the inherent stability of the spine all encourage the development and progression of a scoliosis. This explains the complex biomechanics of scoliosis and provides a final common pathway by which the multiple aetiological factors can induce idiopathic scoliosis. It has important implications for the understanding and treatment of this condition.
spellingShingle Murray, D
Bulstrode, C
The development of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
title The development of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
title_full The development of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
title_fullStr The development of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
title_full_unstemmed The development of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
title_short The development of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
title_sort development of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
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