Spinal deformity

Spinal deformity refers to the deviation of the spine from the normal position in the coronal, sagittal or axial position, resulting in abnormal morphology. There are many causes of spinal deformity, the most common of which are idiopathic, congenital, neuromuscular, interstitial, and traumatic.

Idiopathic spinal deformity is the most common type, usually without a clear cause, and may be related to genetic factors, endocrine factors, lifestyle habits, etc. Congenital spinal deformity is caused by abnormalities in embryonic development, which may be related to maternal malnutrition during pregnancy, drug effects, radiation exposure, etc. Neuromuscular spinal deformity is caused by neuromuscular lesions, common ones include Marfan syndrome and neurofibromatosis. Interstitial spinal deformity is caused by abnormal connective tissue, which may be related to genetic factors, immune factors, etc. Traumatic spinal deformity is caused by trauma or surgery, such as fractures, dislocations, etc.

Symptoms of spinal deformity vary from person to person and include back pain, low back pain, lower limb pain and numbness, difficulty walking, spinal curvature, etc. Severe spinal deformity may lead to complications such as impaired cardiopulmonary function, difficulty breathing, and pulmonary embolism.

The key to treating spinal deformity is early detection and intervention, and the treatment methods vary from person to person. For mild spinal deformity, conservative treatments such as physical therapy and medication can be used. For severe spinal deformity or when conservative treatment is ineffective, surgical treatment can be considered. Surgical treatments include fusion surgery, orthopedic surgery, etc. Different surgical methods can be selected according to specific circumstances.

The key to preventing spinal deformity is to strengthen the bone health and physical exercise of children and adolescents, maintain correct sitting and standing postures, and avoid staying in the same posture for a long time. At the same time, regular physical examinations and screenings, timely detection and treatment of related diseases are also effective ways to prevent spinal deformity.