Other Abnormal Spine Curves

Kyphosis

lateral view of kyphosis

By BruceBlaus [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], from Wikimedia Commons

  • A rounded back posture (and protracted scapulae)
  • Associated with osteoporosis and history of multilevel compression fracture; more severe deformities are generally idiopathic
  • Exercise intervention principles are similar to scoliosis
  • Strengthen muscles on the convex (lengthened side): spinal extensors and scapular retractors
  • Stretch muscles on the concave (shortened side): scapular protractors and spinal flexors

Congenital Torticollis

  • Cervical spinal curve characterized by contracture of the SCM musculature
  • Characteristics include lateral flexion the same side as the contracture, rotation toward the opposite side, and facial asymmetries
  • Etiology is unknown; pediatric screening around 2 days old for any limitations in cervical range of motion or emerging facial asymmetries. Diagnosis is typically made around 3 weeks of age
  • Contributing factors:
    • Malposition in utero
    • Breech position in utero
    • Birth trauma: traction to spinal nerve roots resulting in SCM palsy
  • Clinical practice guidelines for physical therapy include:
    • PT infant assessment of posture, ROM, pain behaviors, skin integrity, and craniofacial asymmetry. If cranial shape is a contributing, factor, the infant may be fitted with a custom cranial remodeling orthosis

Image of a male infant wearing a cranial remodeling orthosis
Cranial remodeling orthosis

https://www.flickr.com/photos/150hp/6271381480/in/photostream/

  • neck PROM, trunk and neck AROM, symmetrical movement development
  • KEY POINT: Family and caregiver education is critical. Parents should be given activities that promote opposing cervical motion, such as positioning, games, stretches, and positioning

alternative accessible content

  • Children over the age of one may be eligible for surgical release of SCM if there has been limited response to conservative treatment


Torticollis.jpg http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/53/Siebert_22_-_Torticolis.jpg