pathology
Last reviewed 01/2018
It has been shown that any extension deformity - e.g. that occurring in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis - of the normally kyphotic dorsal spine will cause an inevitable swivelling round of the spine. This will therefore produce the appearance of a lateral curvature.
The curvature in this condition may occur anywhere in the thoracic or lumbar spine. The vertebral bodies that make up the curvature are rotated so that the bodies point to the convexity and spinous processes point to the concavity of the curve.
If the curve occurs in the thoracic region then the ribs on the convex side of the curve are rotated posteriorly. This may give the appearance of a prominent 'hump'.