Aetiology of idiopathic scoliosis. Current biomedical research and osteopathic theories

Item

Title
Aetiology of idiopathic scoliosis. Current biomedical research and osteopathic theories
Author(s)
Lüftinger Mona
Abstract
The question of the aetiology of the three-dimensional spinal deformity of idiopathic scoliosis (IS) has not been answered so far. Current biomedical studies and osteopathic theories that offer possible explanations for the development of IS are reviewed to identify similarities or diametrical differences of the two approaches. The results of the biomedical studies show various possible influences on the development of IS: Genetic factors, structural anomalies, anatomical asymmetrical patterns, neurological dysfunctions. But none of them seems to be completely accepted in biomedical research.
Osteopathic theories for the aetiology of IS are dysfunctions in the embryology, trauma indicated by the birth process, SSB-dysfunctions, dysfuncions on a bony-, membranous-, or fluid-level induced by traumata. Also fascial distortions are discussed as possibilities that initiate the development of scoliosis. The known osteopathic theories for the development of IS are not based on empirical studies and the so called “dysfunctions” are diagnosed via palpation so that the reliability of the postulated theories therefore is doubtful.
Similarities between biomedicine and osteopathy can be found in some hypotheses about possible causes of IS like disturbances in the embryology or in the last months of pregnancy but in both cases they have so far not been proven by clinical research.
In order to find an answer to the question of the aetiology of idiopathic scoliosis further interdisciplinary studies are needed.


Key words: Aetiology of IS, biomedical studies, osteopathic theories, similarities or diametral contradictions
Date Accepted
2008
Date Submitted
1.9.2008 00:00:00
Type
osteo_thesis
Language
English
Number of pages
76
Submitted by:
62
Pub-Identifier
13884
Inst-Identifier
781
Keywords
Scoliosis
Recommended
0
Medium
LueftingerMona.pdf
Item sets
Thesis

Lüftinger Mona, “Aetiology of idiopathic scoliosis. Current biomedical research and osteopathic theories”, Osteopathic Research Web, accessed April 26, 2024, https://www.osteopathic-research.com/s/orw/item/2955