| What does scoliosis look like? | 2009.00000000000 | What does scoliosis look like? | What does scoliosis look like? | W | English | Orthopaedics/Musculoskeletal | Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | Vertebrae;Spine | Muscular system;Skeletal system | Conditions and diseases | Adult (19+) | NA | | 2020-09-08T04:00:00Z | | | | | | 7.10000000000000 | 72.8000000000000 | 542.000000000000 | | Flat Content | Health A-Z | <p>There are five different curve patterns in the spines of children with scoliosis. Learn about these, and other physical changes that can occur. </p> | <p>There are three parts to the spine: the cervical spine (neck), the thoracic spine (mid back), and the lumbar spine (lower back). Usually, the spine looks relatively straight when viewed from the front or back. In patients with scoliosis, the spine curves sideways, usually into the shape of an <em>S</em> or a <em>C</em>. An S-shaped curve is also called a double curve. A C-shaped curve is also called a single curve.</p> | | <h2> Key points </h2><ul><li>The spine is made up of three major sections: the cervical spine (neck), the thoracic spine (mid back) and the lumbar spine (lower back).</li><li>Scoliosis is when the spine curves sideways, typically into an S-shape (a double curve) or a C-shape (single curve).</li><li>A curve in the spine can be accompanied by changes to the rib cage, shoulders and hips. As the curve in the spine increases, the spine and ribs twist, making the ribs more pronounced on the side of the curve (a "rib prominence.")</li></ul> | <p>There are five main curve patterns:</p><h3>Type I curve</h3><p>There are two curves—an S-shaped curve that involves the thoracic (mid-back) and lumbar (lower back) spine. The
<em>lumbar curve is bigger</em> than the thoracic curve. </p>
<figure class="asset-c-100">
<span class="asset-anim-title">Scoliosis surgery: Before and after (Type 1)</span>
<div class="asset-animation asset-cv-animation">
src="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Style%20Library/akh/animation/ScoliosisTypeI_EN/story.html"
</div>
</figure>
<h3>Type II curve</h3><p>There are two curves—an S-shaped curve that involves the thoracic (mid-back) and lumbar (lower back) spine. The
<em>thoracic curve is bigger</em> than the lumbar curve.</p>
<figure class="asset-c-100">
<span class="asset-anim-title">Scoliosis surgery: Before and after (Type 2)</span>
<div class="asset-animation asset-cv-animation">
src="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Style%20Library/akh/animation/ScoliosisTypeII_EN/story.html"
</div>
</figure>
<h3>Type III curve</h3><p>A shorter, C-shaped curve that involves the thoracic (mid-back) spine.</p>
<figure class="asset-c-100">
<span class="asset-anim-title">Scoliosis surgery: Before and after (Type 3)</span>
<div class="asset-animation asset-cv-animation">
src="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Style%20Library/akh/animation/ScoliosisTypeIII_EN/story.html"
</div>
</figure>
<h3>Type IV curve</h3><p>A longer, C-shaped curve that involves the thoracic (mid-back) and lumbar (lower back) spine.</p>
<figure class="asset-c-100">
<span class="asset-anim-title">Scoliosis surgery: Before and after (Type 4)</span>
<div class="asset-animation asset-cv-animation">
src="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Style%20Library/akh/animation/ScoliosisTypeIV_EN/story.html"
</div>
</figure>
<h3>Type V curve</h3><p>There are two curves—an S-shaped curve that involves the thoracic spine. One curve is in the mid-thoracic area and the other curve is in the upper thoracic area. The
<em>mid-thoracic curve is bigger</em> than the upper thoracic curve.</p>
<figure class="asset-c-100">
<span class="asset-anim-title">Scoliosis surgery: Before and after (Type 5)</span>
<div class="asset-animation asset-cv-animation">
src="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Style%20Library/akh/animation/Scoliosis%20Type%20V/story.html"
</div>
</figure>
<h2>Physical changes to the body</h2><p>When a curve in the spine develops, there are also changes to the rib cage, shoulders, and hips. As the curve(s) in the spine start to increase in size, the spine begins to twist. The ribs, which are attached to the spine, also twist. The ribs become more pronounced on the side of the curve. This is called a “rib prominence”.</p><p>A rib prominence can be clearly seen when a child with scoliosis bends over to touch their toes. The rib prominence is much higher on the side where the spine is curved. In larger curves, the rib cage may twist so much that the chest may push forward on one side.</p><p>Some girls may also notice that one breast appears larger than the other. The shoulders are also affected. Usually, one shoulder is higher than the other. Sometimes, in more severe curves, the shoulder is also pushed forward. Depending on the location of the curve(s), one hip may be higher than the other. Alternately, one hip may appear to be pushed forward on one side.</p> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | What does scoliosis look like? | | False | | | | | | |
