Download Skeletal Radiol

Skeletal Radiol. 2009 Mar;38(3):207-23.
Imaging of painful scoliosis.
Davies A, Saifuddin A.
Department of Radiology, Royal National Orthopaedic
Hospital Trust, Brockley Hill, Stanmore, Middlesex,
London, HA7 4LP, UK.
Scoliosis is defined as a lateral deviation of the
spine from the normal plumb line. Commonly, there is a
rotational component and deviation also in the sagittal
plane (kyphosis or hyperlordosis). When scoliosis
presents in adults, it is often painful. In contrast,
back pain in a child is considered rare, and serious
underlying pathology should be excluded, particularly
since idiopathic scoliosis is typically painless. A
painful scoliosis in a child or adolescent, especially
if the patient has a left-sided curve, should be
examined thoroughly. The aim of this review is to
illustrate the causes of a painful scoliosis in
children, adolescents and adults.