Progression of unsupported curves in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
Stability of three types of double scoliotic curves of 10-40 degrees was analyzed using a biomechanical model: double primary (Type I), primary thoracic with compensatory lumbar (Type II), and primary lumbar with compensatory thoracic (Type III). The load-carrying capacity of each curve was analyzed as a function of magnitude of the curve, its location and flexibility. Curve magnitude was found to be the most influential parameter governing the stability of a scoliotic curve up to 30 degrees. Results suggest that in evaluating curves of comparable magnitudes, Type I and II curves are more likely to progress and, therefore, should be braced at an earlier stage than Type III curves.
Meade
K P
KP
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago.
Bunch
W H
WH
Vanderby
R
R
Patwardhan
A G
AG
Knight
G W
GW
D000293:Adolescent; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000503:physiopathology; D008954:Models, Biological; D011379:Prognosis; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000503:physiopathology