How to evaluate spinal deformities

How to evaluate spinal deformities

What is a spinal deformity?

• A spinal deformity is an abnormality of the alignment, formation, or shape of the spinal column.
• Traditionally, spinal deformities have been classified into those that predominantly affect the coronal plane (e.g., idiopathic scoliosis) and the sagittal plane (e.g., Scheuermann kyphosis).
• In reality, spinal deformities are complex and simultaneously affect the sagittal, coronal, and axial plane alignment of the spinal column, and its relationship to the pelvis and thoracic cage.
• A spinal deformity may result from a pathologic process at a single vertebra level (e.g., spondylolisthesis), or multiple spinal levels (e.g., Scheuermann kyphosis), or it may involve the entire spinal column and pelvis due to compromised postural support mechanisms (e.g., neuromuscular scoliosis).

Why does the assessment of spinal deformities require a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s health status?

• Multiple facets of human disease may be associated with a spinal deformity depending on its etiology.
• A spinal deformity may be only one manifestation of an underlying systemic disorder that may affect multiple organ systems.
• The etiology of spinal deformities is wide ranging and includes congenital, developmental, degenerative, neuromuscular and metabolic disorders, trauma, infection, tumors, and conditions whose precise etiology remains incompletely defined (e.g., idiopathic scoliosis).
• Radiographs are required to document the presence, severity, and extent of a specific spinal deformity.
• Higher-level imaging studies (computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) are used to evaluate neural compression, anatomic detail, and to rule out the presence of coexisting intraspinal anomalies, and anomalies involving other body systems.

What are the potential consequences of untreated spinal deformities?

• The consequences of an untreated spinal deformity for a specific patient depend on many factors, including age, underlying health status, etiology, deformity magnitude and pattern, and the potential for future progression of the spinal deformity.
• Potential consequences of untreated spinal deformity may include cosmetic issues, pain, neurologic deficit, sagittal and/or coronal plane imbalance, and impairment in activities of daily living.
• Severe thoracic deformity may impair respiratory mechanics with resultant hypoxemia, pulmonary hypertension, cor pulmonale, or even death.

Describe the basic components involved in the clinical assessment of a patient with spinal deformity.

A. Detailed history:
• What is the presenting or chief complaint (e.g., deformity, pain, neurologic symptoms, impaired function in activities of daily living, cardiorespiratory symptoms)?
• If pain is present, describe its location, severity, duration, frequency, and whether it is present during activity or at rest.
• When was the spinal deformity first noticed?
• Is the spinal deformity progressing in severity?
• For pediatric patients: What is the patient’s maturity and growth potential?
B. Past medical history: Have prior spine treatments or diagnostic studies been performed? Are there any associated
or general medical problems? Were there any abnormalities noted at birth or during development?
C. Medications: include dose, route and frequency for each medication
D. Allergies: include allergies to medication and nonmedication substances, such as iodine or shellfish
E. Review of Systems
F. Family history: Is there a family history of spinal deformity?
G. Social history: occupation, history of tobacco and alcohol use, or drug abuse
H. Comprehensive physical examination:
Inspection. The patient must undress and change into a gown so the examiner can fully assess the trunk and extremities. Assess for asymmetry of the neckline, shoulder height, rib cage, waistline, flank, pelvis, and lower extremities. The patient is initially assessed in the standing position and next is bent forward to 90°. The patient should be inspected from both anterior and posterior aspects, and from the side. Note any skin lesions (e.g., midline hair patch, sinus tract, hemangiomas, café au lait pigmentation). Observe the patient’s gait. Observe body proportions and height.
Palpation. Palpate the spinous processes and paraspinous region for tenderness, deviation in spinous process alignment, or a palpable step-off deformity.
Spinal range of motion. Test flexion-extension, side-bending, and rotation. Any restriction or asymmetry with range of motion (ROM) is noted.
Neurologic examination. Assess sensory, motor, and reflex function of the upper and lower extremities, including abdominal reflexes.
Spinal alignment and balance assessment in the coronal plane. Normally, the head should be centered over the sacrum and pelvis. A plumb line dropped from C7 should fall through the gluteal crease.
Spinal alignment and balance assessment in the sagittal plane. When the patient is observed from the side, assess the four physiologic sagittal curves (cervical and lumbar lordosis, thoracic and sacral kyphosis). When the patient stands with the hips and knees fully extended, the head should be aligned over the sacrum. The ear, shoulder, and greater trochanter of the hip should lie on the same vertical line.
Extremity assessment. Measurement of leg lengths, assessment of joint ROM and flexibility in the upper and lower extremities, are performed. Note any contractures or deformities involving the extremities (e.g., cavus feet).
Examination of related body systems. A detailed medical assessment should be performed. Certain spinal deformities are associated with abnormalities in other organ systems, especially the neurologic, renal, and cardiac systems. In specific situations, screening for vision problems, hearing loss, and learning disorders may be required.