Deformity is in three planes with lateral, anteroposterior & rotational components
Cobb angle is > 10° on standing X-ray
Curvatures of 10° or less should be described as spinal asymmetry
Postural scoliosis
secondary or compensatory to some condition outside spine, such as short leg, or pelvic tilt
When condition is corrected or compensated for scoliosis is abolished
Postural scoliosis does not have rotational component
Structural scoliosis
non-correctible deformity of affected spinal component, essential component of which is vertebral rotation
Apex of Curve
most laterally deviated disc or vertebra of curve. Usually single vertebra can be defined as apical vertebra, but if there is pair of vertebra at apex intervening disc can be defined as apical disc
End vertebrae
vertebrae most tilted from horizontal
These define proximal & distal extent of curve (& are used to measure Cobb angle)
Neutral vertebrae
first superior & inferior vertebrae around curve that are not rotated
Primary / Secondary curves
Primary curves are first curves to develop & these may be followed by secondary or compensatory curves which function to keep head balanced over sacrum
Primary curves are more likely to become fixed, & secondary curves are more mobile
