Definition

1. Noun:
   • An abnormal lateral curve to the vertebral column: Scoliosis is a medical condition characterized by an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine. The curve is often S-shaped or C-shaped and can occur in any part of the spine.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The doctor diagnosed the teenager with mild scoliosis after a routine check-up.
  • Severe scoliosis can sometimes cause back pain and affect posture.
  • Early detection of scoliosis is important for effective management.

Advanced Usage

• "Idiopathic scoliosis": The most common type of scoliosis, where the cause is unknown. It often develops during adolescence.

  • Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is frequently monitored with X-rays.

• "Congenital scoliosis": Scoliosis present at birth due to malformed vertebrae.

  • The child's congenital scoliosis required a specialized treatment plan.

• "Degenerative scoliosis": Scoliosis that develops in adulthood due to wear and tear on the spine.

  • The patient's back pain was attributed to degenerative scoliosis.

Variants and Related Words

• Scoliotic (adj): Relating to or affected by scoliosis.
  • The patient had a scoliotic curve in the thoracic region.

Synonyms

• Spinal curvature: A general term for an abnormal curve in the spine.
• Kyphoscoliosis: A condition combining abnormal sideways (scoliosis) and forward (kyphosis) curvature of the spine.

Related Phrases

• "Scoliosis screening": A check, often in schools, to identify potential spinal curves in children.

  • The school nurse conducted annual scoliosis screenings.

• "Scoliosis brace": A medical device worn to prevent the progression of a spinal curve.

  • She wore a scoliosis brace for 18 hours a day to correct the curve.

Related Idioms

(There are no common idioms specifically for the medical term 'scoliosis'.)

Noun

1. an abnormal lateral curve to the vertebral column