Scoliosis is a condition affecting your spine, and is defined as a curvature of the spine of more than 10 degrees. The curvature can lead to an “S” or “C” shape in the spine, depending on the location and degree of the curve. Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is a common form, occurring between the ages of 10 and 18 at the beginning of puberty or during a growth spurt. Idiopathic means that the condition does not have a known cause, but a genetic link is suspected. While most cases may remain small and cause no problems as well as requiring no treatment, some of the cases may become severe, meaning the curvature develops past 45 degrees. The Scoliscore test can be used at the diagnosis of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis to determine if the curvature is likely to become a severe case of scoliosis.
Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Symptoms of AIS may include some back pain, a difference in leg length, asymmetrical shoulders (particularly when bending forward), a curvature of the spine to the left or right, or a misalignment in the torso between the ribs and the hips. The condition is normally painless for the patient, and the organs will remain unharmed. Diagnosis involves measuring the degree of the curvature and possibly x-rays. Treatment depends on the degree of the curvature and how much more growth the patient is expected to have. For mild cases, core-strengthening exercises or inpatient rehabilitation may be used, while braces and surgery may be chosen for more serious progressions.
The Scoliscore Test
The use of the Scoliscore test can help doctors plan out the treatment plan for specific scoliosis cases. The test looks at the DNA in the patient’s saliva to determine how likely they will be to develop a severe case of AIS. Along with the current angle of curvature of the spine, the doctor can better determine if the case may need more involved treatments such as braces or surgery. As of now, the test is only being used for Caucasian males and females with signs of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis with a curvature of higher than 10 degrees.
