Rotation of spinal curvatures of patients with structural scoliosis

Scoliosis has obscure aetiopathogenesis and is underreported in our environment.

To examine the pattern, magnitude, direction and extent of rotation of 42 structural curves in scoliotic patients.

Plain radiographs of the spine in patients with scoliotic deformities were randomly selected from the film libraries of four Nigerian tertiary institutions.These were then assessed radiologically for the indices above, including the use of Cobbs method and the pedicle technique of Moe.

In all, 14 thoracic and 28 thoracolumbar curves were evaluated. A double curve was identified in only one patient. Average age (range) of affected males was 31 (3-78) years and for females (n=25), it was 19.4 (3-40) years. Mean Cobb angle was 23.6 degrees (10 degrees-70 degrees) in males and 40.1 degrees (10 degrees-89 degrees) in females. In 29 (69%) of curves, angle magnitude was d" 30 degrees. Direction of spinal curvature was right convexity in 33 (78.6%) of evaluated curves while most curves 35 (84.4%) exhibited +1 vertebral rotation.

Females present earlier than the males with a higher Cobb angles. Progression of curves appears to be a higher challenge in females. There is need for scoliosis surveillance programme for early diagnosis.