The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
Abstract
The following is the introduction of this article: The spine, or spinal column, as it is also called, is a complex structure made up of 33 vertebrae (bone segments) arranged vertically in succession from just below the skull to the tailbone. The entire column is broken up into various classes of vertebrae named, from superior to inferior, as cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal. Different forms of spinal deformities that can occur include kyphosis, lordosis and scoliosis (Neuwirth and Osborn 2001). Scoliosis is defined simply in medical terms as a lateral three-dimensional irregular curvature of the spine. The curvature as seen from the back of the person can be described as an “s” shaped bend or a “c” shaped bend. The spinal curves are measured by degrees of curvature and depending on the severity of the degree of curvature, an appropriate treatment method will be determined. Scoliosis curvatures do not retain a status quo over time. If not treated properly, the curves tend to progressively worsen, causing pain and discomfort to the diseased party. In this paper, different methods that are used in treating scoliosis are discussed including the different types of braces that are used and the various forms of surgeries that are performed in such cases.
Recommended Citation
Frenkel, J. (2011). Scoliosis: Comparative Analysis of Surgery vs. Brace Treatment. The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences, 5(1). Retrieved from https://touroscholar.touro.edu/sjlcas/vol5/iss1/2
