Dextroscoliosis is a type of scoliosis in which the spine has an abnormal curvature. Although abnormal curvatures can be found anywhere in the spinal column, dextroscoliosis is most commonly found in the middle and upper thoracic spine.
Scoliosis is a spine curvature that is abnormally rotated sideways. Different types of scoliosis can develop within this rotation. These differ in their origin, location, and the direction in which the curve bends. Dextroscoliosis is a right-bending abnormal curvature. The curve bends away from the heart in this type of scoliosis.
Symptoms of Dextroscoliosis
The symptoms of dextroscoliosis may vary depending on the degree of curvature of the spine. Mild cases of scoliosis may not cause any symptoms, while severe cases can lead to pain, discomfort, and difficulty in breathing. The most common symptoms of dextroscoliosis include:
- Uneven arms
- One shoulder blade bulging more on one side than the other
- The existence of a vertebral arch
- Irregular waistline
- Unsymmetrical lower back
Scoliosis patients with severe curves may have their curved spine press on other organs and areas of their body.
This can result in serious symptoms such as:
- Breathing difficulties and shortness of breath if the lung is compressed.
- Chest cramp
- Back feel weak
- Leg feels stiff
- Urination and defecation changes and difficulties
Diagnosis of Dextroscoliosis:
Dextroscoliosis is usually diagnosed during a routine physical exam. To examine for any indications of spine curvature, the doctor could instruct the patient to stand straight and lean forward. If dextroscoliosis is suspected, the doctor may take X-ray or MRI to confirm the diagnosis.
Options for treatments
Both nonsurgical and surgical treatments for therapy are available. The severity of your scoliosis, the location of the curve, the risk of progression, and your age will all influence your treatment plan.
Treatment
The best way to treat dextroscoliosis is determined by the patient’s age, symptoms, and severity of the condition.
In the United States, approximately 600,000 people seek medical attention for scoliosis symptoms.
An estimated 30,000 children are fitted for a back brace to treat scoliosis, while 38,000 have surgery.
Dextroscoliosis, mild to moderate
X-rays are used to diagnose scoliosis. A positive diagnosis of mild scoliosis requires a curvature angle of the spine greater than 10 degrees.
Mild cases of dextroscoliosis usually only necessitate medical attention. Every 6 months to a year, a doctor may examine the progression of the curve and inquire about symptoms such as pain or discomfort.
Curvatures with angles between 25 and 30 degrees are considered moderate scoliosis and usually necessitate treatment.
Doctors may advise taking X-ray images every 6 months or yearly for moderate cases of scoliosis. Because adults with scoliosis are no longer growing, X-rays may only be required every 5 years.
Surgery
Curvatures greater than 35 degrees are considered severe and nearly always necessitate treatment. A doctor may recommend back surgery or a back brace.
The scoliosis brace must be worn at all times, except when eating, sleeping, or exercising. Scoliosis braces are only effective in children and adolescents, when the spine is still growing.
There may be a need for surgery if the scoliosis is severe. Most scoliosis procedures involve joining spinal segments or vertebrae together in an effort to promote the spine’s ability to straighten. Surgeons may also insert metal rods or straightening devices into the spine to aid in its recovery.
Overall, it’s important to seek medical attention if you suspect you have dextroscoliosis or any other spinal condition.
