TOPIC: Scoliosis

Posted: March 28th, 2023

TOPIC: Scoliosis

SUBJECT: Healthcare Instructions: Write a paper related to your assigned orthopedic condition. Content: The paper must at a minimum address all of the topics/questions on the next page. Any information that is specific to your condition should also be included. Sources: The paper should be based on the Fundamentals of Orthopedics textbook (preferred) and any other textbooks utilized or accessible in the program or library. The paper MUST contain a MINIMUM of 2 research articles from a scholarly journal no older than 2013. LIBRARY DATABASE: http://www.lirn.net/databases/ & the passcode is 24439 Format/Style: The paper and references (both books and journals) must be in APA Paper Writing Service by Expert Writers Pro Paper Help: Essay Writing Service Paper Writing Service by Essay Pro Paper Help: Essay Writing Service style. Intellectual property: All content in the paper must be your own thoughts. All information taken from textbooks, scholarly journals or other sources must be cited within the paper and cited in the references. Any plagiarism will result in an automatic “0” on the project. Assigned Orthopedic Condition: 1. What population is this condition typically found in? 2. How does the condition typically occur? What is the mechanism of injury? 3. What anatomical structures are involved? 4. What medical interventions are required? 5. What precautions or contraindications must the PTA be aware of during the patient’s medical treatment and/or during recovery? 6. What is the typical time frame for patient full recovery OR how long following medical intervention until the patient is considered able to return to full functional abilities (or return to sport)? 7. What types of PT interventions are typically used to treat the condition during the: a. acute phase b. functional phase 8. Are there any recommended interventions that do not fall under the PTA’s scope of work?

Scoliosis: A Comprehensive Overview

What population is this condition typically found in?
Scoliosis is a common orthopedic condition that affects individuals of all ages, genders, and races. However, the condition is more prevalent in children and adolescents, with an estimated incidence of 2-3% in this population. Girls are also more likely to develop scoliosis than boys, with a ratio of approximately 3:1.

How does the condition typically occur? What is the mechanism of injury?
The exact cause of scoliosis is unknown. However, it is believed that the condition can be the result of a combination of genetic, environmental, and neuromuscular factors. In most cases, scoliosis develops spontaneously and is not associated with any underlying medical condition or injury. However, scoliosis can also occur as a secondary condition resulting from other underlying medical conditions such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or spinal cord injury.

What anatomical structures are involved?
Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine that involves the vertebrae, intervertebral discs, and other spinal structures such as the spinal cord and nerves. The curvature can occur in any part of the spine, but it most commonly affects the thoracic (mid-back) and lumbar (lower back) regions. The severity of the curvature can range from mild to severe, and in some cases, it can lead to compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots, resulting in neurological symptoms such as weakness, numbness, or tingling in the arms or legs.

What medical interventions are required?
The treatment of scoliosis depends on the severity of the curvature, the age of the patient, and the presence of any underlying medical conditions. In mild cases, no medical intervention may be required, and the condition may be monitored through regular follow-up appointments. However, in moderate to severe cases, medical intervention may be necessary. The most common medical interventions for scoliosis include:

Bracing: In some cases, a brace may be prescribed to prevent further progression of the curvature. The type of brace prescribed will depend on the location and severity of the curvature.

Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the curvature. The most common surgical procedure for scoliosis is spinal fusion, which involves fusing the affected vertebrae together to prevent further curvature.

What precautions or contraindications must the PTA be aware of during the patient’s medical treatment and/or during recovery?
During the medical treatment of scoliosis, the PTA must be aware of the patient’s limitations and precautions. For example, if the patient is wearing a brace, the PTA must ensure that the brace is properly fitted and worn during therapy sessions. The PTA should also be aware of any weight-bearing restrictions or limitations on certain movements that may be prescribed by the physician.

During the recovery phase, the PTA must be aware of the patient’s level of pain and discomfort and ensure that therapy sessions are tailored to the patient’s needs and limitations. The PTA should also be aware of any changes in the patient’s condition, such as an increase in pain or neurological symptoms, and report them to the physician.

What is the typical time frame for patient full recovery OR how long following medical intervention until the patient is considered able to return to full functional abilities (or return to sport)?
The recovery time for scoliosis varies depending on the severity of the curvature and the type of medical intervention. In mild cases, recovery may be relatively quick, and the patient may be able to return to full functional abilities within a few weeks or months. However, in severe cases, recovery may take several months or even years.

After surgery, the patient may need several weeks or months to recover and may require physical therapy to regain strength and mobility. The patient may also need to wear a brace or other supportive device for a period of time to ensure proper healing and alignment of the spine. The exact time frame for recovery will depend on the individual patient and the extent of the surgical intervention. Patients should follow their physician’s recommendations and attend follow-up appointments to monitor their progress and ensure proper healing. The physician will determine when the patient is ready to return to full functional abilities or return to sports activities.