Abstract
ABSTRACT Despite many years of dedicated research into the etiopathogenesis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, there is still no single distinct cause for this puzzling condition. In this overview, we attempt to link knowledge on the complex three-dimensional pathoanatomy of AIS, based on our ongoing research in this field, with etiopathogenic questions. Evidence from multiple recent cross-sectional imaging studies is provided that supports the hypothesis that AIS has an intrinsic biomechanical basis: an imbalance between the biomechanical loading of the upright human spine due to its unique sagittal configuration on the one hand, and the body’s compensating mechanisms on the other. The question that remains in the etiology of AIS, and the focus of our ongoing research, is to determine what causes or induces this imbalance.
Highlights
Scoliosis is a three-dimensional (3-D) deformity of the spine and trunk that primarily affects previously healthy children
The purpose of this study is to provide, based on our ongoing research into the etiopathogenesis of idiopathic scoliosis, answers to some of these questions, namely: 1. Why is scoliosis a disease of man? 2
Evidence from multiple cross-sectional imaging studies is provided that supports the hypothesis that rotational stiffness of the human spine in general is less than in all other species, due to the existence of destabilizing posteriorly directed shear load that are the result of the unique spinopelvic alignment of the human spine
Summary
Scoliosis is a three-dimensional (3-D) deformity of the spine and trunk that primarily affects previously healthy children. It is a classic orthopedic disorder.[1] The most common type of scoliosis is idiopathic scoliosis. The term ‘idiopathic’ (from the Greek: ίδιος=one’s own and πάθος=suffering) indicates that the disease is not linked to any physical impairment or previous medical history. Despite many years of dedicated research into the etiopathogenesis of idiopathic scoliosis, there is no single, distinct cause for this condition, and a number of intriguing questions remain.[2,3] The purpose of this study is to provide, based on our ongoing research into the etiopathogenesis of idiopathic scoliosis, answers to some of these questions, namely: 1. Why is scoliosis a disease of man? What is the role of relative anterior spinal overgrowth (RASO)?
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
