Outward signs
- Gaps between arms and the trunk are not the same
- One hip is more prominent
- One shoulder is higher
- Head is not centered over body
- One shoulder-blade is raised and may be more prominent
- Spine obviously curved
How can you detect scoliosis?
Another way of detecting scoliosis in teenagers, is to undertake the Adam’s Forward Bend Test, as shown below. The patient must to stand with their feet together and bend forward as far as possible with their palms facing each other, pointed at the big toes.
If a person has scoliosis, one side of the upper chest or the lower back will be more than 1 cm higher than the other. This prominence is usually found on the right side in the upper (thoracic) region. If the difference is less than 1 cm, it is highly unlikely there is significant curvature and the difference is most likely due to torso asymmetry. This is the asymmetry of growth in two sides of the body and is of no significance. Another way to look at the asymmetry is by the angle of elevation the rib hump is; below 10 degrees is considered mild.
