Question

What is an excessive lateral curvature of the spine called?

Answer 1

Scoliosis or possibly kyphosis or lordosis

Explanation:

Scoliosis is the most common diagnosis for an excessive lateral curvature of the spine. An excessive curvature of the spine could also be caused by kyphosis or lordosis. However, these diagnosis are much rarer than scoliosis.

For the diagnosis of scoliosis to be made there must be two deformities of the spine:

• Lateral curvature: The vertebral column bends from side-to-side. Or, in other words, when looking at a patient from behind there is an S-shaped curvature of the spine. This curvature must be greater than 10 degrees or the curvature is considered within the normal limits.

• Rotation: The rotational deformity will like be subtle but is always present in a true scoliosis deformity. The rotational aspect of scoliosis causes a twisting deformity of the vertebral bodies.