Computerized tomography - a new dimension in the assessment of scoliosis

Scoliosis mostly starts in the infant or youth age and regularly progresses until the growth of the vertebral column is completed. In most cases, its cause remains unknown. Aside from the lateral curvature, there is always also a rotation of that part of the vertebral column which is caused biomechanically. This leads to a visible costal hump in addition to the shortening of the trunk. At the same time, the deformation of the thorax leads to restrictive changes in the lungs which, after some time, cause a hypertension in the pulmonary circulation. Functional effects on the abdominal organs, especially the kidneys, are also known. Therefore, the orthopedic surgeous main concern lies in early recognition and a complete comprehension of the disease in order to keep effects and secondary diseases under control by means of consequent therapeutic measures. (orig.)