Diagnostic Tests for Scoliosis
Scoliosis: Diagnostic Tests
The list of diagnostic tests
mentioned in various sources as
used in the diagnosis of Scoliosis
includes:
Scoliosis Tests: Book Excerpts
Home Diagnostic Testing
These home medical tests may be relevant to Scoliosis:
- Child Behavior: Home Testing
- Child General Health: Home Testing
- Cold & Flu: Home Testing:
Scoliosis Diagnosis: Book Excerpts
Tests and diagnosis discussion for Scoliosis:
The doctor takes the following steps to evaluate a patient
for scoliosis:
- Medical history--The doctor talks to the patient and the
patient's parent or parents and reviews the patient's records to look
for medical problems that might be causing the spine to curve, for
example, birth defects, trauma, or other disorders that can be
associated with scoliosis.
- Physical examination--The doctor looks at the patient's
back, chest, pelvis, legs, feet, and skin. The doctor checks if the
patient's shoulders are level, whether the head is centered, and
whether opposite sides of the body look level. The doctor also
examines the back muscles while the patient is bending forward to see
if one side of the rib cage is higher than the other. If there is a
significant asymmetry (difference between opposite sides of the body),
the doctor will refer the patient to an orthopaedic spine specialist
(a doctor who has experience treating people with scoliosis). Certain
changes in the skin, such as so-called café au lait
(coffee-with-milk-colored) spots, can suggest that the scoliosis is
caused by a birth defect.
- X-ray evaluation--Patients with significant spinal curves,
unusual back pain, or signs of involvement of the central nervous
system (brain and spinal cord) such as bowel and bladder control
problems need to have an x ray. The x ray should be done with the
patient standing with his or her back to the x-ray machine. The view
is of the entire spine on one long (36-inch) film. Occasionally,
doctors ask for more tests to see if there are other problems.
- Curve measurement--The doctor measures the curve on the
x-ray image. He or she finds the vertebrae at the beginning and end of
the curve and measures the angle of the curve (see "Curve
Patterns" diagram ). Curves that are greater than 20 degrees
require treatment.
(Source: excerpt from
Questions and Answers about Scoliosis in Children and Adolescents: NIAMS)
Diagnostic Tests for Scoliosis: Online Medical Books
16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE!
Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration,
for more information about the diagnostic tests for Scoliosis.
SCOLIOSIS:
DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP
(Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs)
The vast majority of mild cases of scoliosis require only x-rays and watchful expectancy or referral to an orthopedic surgeon. Routine diagnostic workup may include a CBC, sedimentation rate, urinalysis, chemistry panel, arthritis panel with ANA and HLA B27 antigen, tuberculin test, and a spinal survey including both recumbent and upright views. A bone survey may need to be done also. A bone scan may be necessary to detect subtle bone disease. If these tests are negative, the patient should be referred to an orthopedic surgeon. EMG examinations, nerve conduction velocity studies, CT scans, and MRIs may be necessary. Remember, scoliosis is rarely the cause of back pain unless the spinal angulation exceeds 40 degrees.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs, 2003
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