Scoliosis
Pronunciation: skoh-lee-OH-sis
A lateral curvature of the spine, measured by the Cobb angle, which is a primary indication for spinal orthoses such as the TLSO in orthotics practice.
Full Definition
Scoliosis is a three-dimensional deformity of the spine characterised by an abnormal lateral curvature, typically classified as idiopathic, congenital, or neuromuscular in origin. In orthotics contexts, scoliosis management—particularly adolescent idiopathic scoliosis—frequently involves spinal bracing with devices such as the TLSO or Milwaukee brace. Editors should note that 'scoliosis' is always lowercase unless beginning a sentence, and that 'idiopathic' (of unknown cause) is frequently misspelled as 'ideopathic' or 'ideiopathic.' The severity of scoliosis is expressed in Cobb angle degrees, which editors must render accurately.
Usage
Usage note: Always lowercase. Distinguish from kyphosis (posterior convexity, 'hunchback') and lordosis (anterior convexity, 'swayback'). 'Idiopathic' (not 'ideopathic') is the correct modifier for the most common type.
In Context
- "Bracing with a TLSO is recommended for adolescents with scoliosis curves between 25 and 40 Cobb angle degrees." — Clinical guideline summary
- "The editor corrected 'ideopathic scoliosis' to 'idiopathic scoliosis' throughout the manuscript." — Manuscript proofread log