Thoracogenic scoliosis Save
ICD-10 code: M41.3
Chapter: Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue
Understanding Thoracogenic Scoliosis
Thoracogenic scoliosis is a type of scoliosis that develops as a result of underlying lung or chest wall conditions. It is also referred to as "secondary scoliosis" or "acquired scoliosis". Unlike idiopathic scoliosis, which has no known cause, thoracogenic scoliosis is caused by an underlying medical condition.
Some of the conditions that can lead to thoracogenic scoliosis include:
- Chest wall tumors
- Thoracic spine surgery
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Tuberculosis
- Chronic lung infections
When a person has thoracogenic scoliosis, the curvature of their spine is usually located in the thoracic region (the area of the spine that corresponds to the chest). The severity of the scoliosis can vary depending on the underlying condition and the age of the person.
One of the challenges of treating thoracogenic scoliosis is that the underlying condition must be addressed in order to effectively treat the scoliosis. For example, if a person has a chest wall tumor that is causing their scoliosis, the tumor must be removed before any corrective measures can be taken for the scoliosis.
Once the underlying condition has been addressed, treatment options for thoracogenic scoliosis may include:
- Observation (monitoring the scoliosis to see if it progresses)
- Bracing (to prevent the scoliosis from worsening)
- Surgery (to correct the curvature of the spine)
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with thoracogenic scoliosis, it is important to work closely with your healthcare team to develop a personalized treatment plan. By addressing the underlying condition and taking steps to correct the curvature of the spine, it is possible to manage this condition and improve quality of life.