Rotational Lordosis: The Development of the Single Curve

Abstract

This paper is a theoretical and experimental study of the processes involved in the development of curvature of the spine which we have come to call scoliosis. Reasons are advanced why the term scoliosis in its modern meaning may be misleading and an alternative title of Rotational Lordosis is suggested. It is admitted that it is more cumbersome, but I maintain that it is more accurately descriptive of the deformity under discussion and differentiates it from other curvatures which are produced differently but at present all of which come under the heading of scoliosis. I am conscious that many gaps still remain unfilled, especially the important but unexplained problem of the nature of the growth disturbance. If we could solve this we would be near to a solution of one of the most bizarre, mysterious and crippling deformities with which we are faced.

Surface stereophotogrammetry of thoracic kyphosis

“…Likewise, the mean kyphosis angle of the patients with scoliosis was significantly less than the normal subjects ( Table 1). Surface-shape topography thus confirms the anatomic reports that scoliosis is associated with hypokyphosis (Roaf 1960, Deane and Duthie 1973, Somerville 1952). …”

A High Incidence of Spinal Curvature: A Study of 100 Young Female Students

“…Thoracic lordosis has been connected with scoliosis (Sommerville 1952, Roaf 1966. In this study the scoliotic curves were quite mild and this may be the reason why no differences were seen in thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis between the curvature and non-curvature groups.…”

Effect of direct vertebral body derotation on the sagittal profile in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

“…Relative overgrowth of the anterior column or failure of sufficient posterior column growth have both been hypothesized to cause scoliosis [19,20]. Alternatively, uncoupled neuro-osseous growth has also been proposed as a plausible etiology [21].…”