Wesley's+Favorite+Wiki

My favorite wiki- Scoliosis

Scoliosis Wiki Completed November 2007 By Wesley House

Throught the year the anatomy teacher assigned us several wiks to complete. A wiki is basically a book report put on the internet for all to see, edit, and use as research (Similar to wikipedia). During one of the sections in the year we were working on the functions and structures of the skeletal system. The assignment was to discuss either a function or disorder of the skeleton. One of the wikis I decided to do was on the disorder of scoliosis. The reason I chose to do this was because I had scoliosis for a long time. When I did this assignment I learned so much more about a disorder that I never knew really existed. Click on the link above to connect to my favorite wiki in the world!!!!!!! Enjoy.

=__Scoliosis__=

//__What is [|Scoliosis]?__//
Scoliosis is a complex condition that involves an abnormal curvature or deformity of the spine. It can be classifed by juvenile,[|idiopathic], [|congenital], or adolescent according to when the onset appeared. It can also result from the secondary symptoms of [|cerebral palsy] or [|spinal muscular atrophy].
 * [[image:http://cache.gettyimages.com/xt/AB10814.jpg?v=1&g=FPG&s=1 width="198" height="185" caption="Curvature of the spine"]] ||
 * Curvature of the spine ||

__What are the Causes of [|Scoliosis]?__
Causes of Scoliosis are poorly understood. The most common form of scoliosis is Idiopathic Adolescent Scoliosis. This means that heredity was clearly involved, however there is also an [|incomplete penetrance]. There are numerous theories to what may cause scoliosis but none of which have been accepted among scientists as a clear cause of the disease. Scoliosis is most common in women and can be diagnosed at birth due to congenital vertebral anomaly. The most common development of scoliosis occurs during adolescence due to an inert anomaly such as a tethered spinal cord. When the cause for scoliosis is unknown, which is very common, it is called idiopathic. Scoliosis is not caused by slouching, awkward sitting, or sleeping in a bad matress contrary to common beliefs.
 * [[image:http://farm1.static.flickr.com/172/433761413_0fbab6159c_m.jpg width="221" height="265" caption="Scoliosis is most common in women "]] ||
 * Scoliosis is most common in women ||
 * [[image:http://farm1.static.flickr.com/166/433761409_a36b0c16c1_m.jpg width="213" height="281" caption="X-ray of scoliosis"]] ||
 * X-ray of scoliosis ||

//__How common is [|Scoliosis]?__//
2-3% of the American population have a spinal curvature that is greater than 10 degrees. 1 in 2500 people are have a spinal curvature that is greater than 20 degrees. A significant curvature of the spine is more common in males than in females.

//__Are there any syptoms of [|Scoliosis]?__//
Pain in the back is not a common symptom of adolescent scoliosis. However, if left untreated pain becomes prominent in adulthood. Adults with scoliosis commonly complain about the cosmetic deformities it leaves behind such as: uneven musculature of the spine, uneven hip levels, asymetric size in breast of females, unequal distance between the arms and the body, and in few cases slow nerve action is present.

//__Are there any other conditions that are associated with Scoliosis?__//
Even though the majority of adolescents with scolios show no other signs or symptoms, there are other deformities and diseases associated with scoliosis such as:[|familial dysautonomia], [|friedreich's ataxia], or [|spinal bifidas].

//__What treatments are available for those with scoliosis?__//
There are several treaments available for anyone with scoliosis. [|Bracing] is common among those with juvenile and adolescent scoliosis. One form of [|bracing] is known of [|Boston bracing] ( also known as Thoraco-Lumbo-Sacral-Orthosis) which fits its patient like a tight jacket pressing against the rib cage to prevent the spine from continued curvature. [|Milwaukee bracing] ( aka Cervico-Lumbo-Sacral-Orthosis) is another form of bracing that contains metal bars that extend around the shoulders to prevent further spinal damage. Depending on the situation braces are typically worn 16-23 hours a day. However, since bracing is not always effective surgical means are sometimes necessary. Surgery is mostly used for cases of scoliosis in which there is pain or comsmetic appereance is unacceptable. Curvatures that effect physiological functions such as breathing need surgery. [|Spinal fusion] is the most common surgical techinique for those with idiopathic scoliosis. This technique combines two or more vertebrae to straighten the entire spine. == || || || Spin curvature has reduced from surgery ||==

Reflection: I recently had major surgery on my back to in order to fix the scoliosis that I have. In the procedure they inserted two titanium rods along with about sixteen screws. Writing this wiki added to my knowledge of this disorder I had. I am very happy with this wiki and it helped me alot. I obtained most of my information from wikipedia.com or other spine-based informative websites. This was probably my favorite wiki of all time! I learned sooooo much by doing this. I also learned more on how to write an efficient report and research.

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