Dextroscoliosis & Levoscoliosis: Types, Risks & Management

Scoliosis is a three‑dimensional spinal deformity with lateral curvature ≥10° (Cobb angle) plus vertebral rotation. Directional prefixes describe the convexity:

• Dextroscoliosis: curve convex to the right.
• Levoscoliosis: curve convex to the left.

Etiology

• Idiopathic (80%): adolescent (AIS) most common.
• Congenital: vertebral malformations.
• Neuromuscular: cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spinal cord injury.
• Degenerative: facet arthropathy, disc collapse (adult onset).
• Syndromic: Marfan, neurofibromatosis, osteogenesis imperfecta.

Potential Complications (Severe Curves >40–50°)

• Back pain, reduced pulmonary function (restrictive lung disease)
• Cardiac compression (rare)
• Neurologic deficits (rare, congenital/severe)
• Cosmetic deformity, psychosocial impact

Management by Severity

Cobb Angle	Approach
<10°	Observation
10–25° (growing)	Monitor q4–6 mo; Schroth physiotherapy
25–40° (growing)	Bracing (TLSO) 16–23 h/day
>40–45° (growing) or >50° (skeletally mature)	Surgical correction (posterior spinal fusion ± anterior release)

Prognosis

Most curves remain mild. With appropriate monitoring and intervention, patients lead full, active lives. Adult degenerative scoliosis management focuses on pain, function, and stenosis.