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History of Scoliosis

The term scoliosis comes from a Greek word meaning "crooked." The disease affects the spine, causing it to curve into an S-shape. The spine may also, in some cases, be rotated. The disease has existed for centuries, and with each passing century, human understanding and treatment for the condition has improved.

  1. Ancient Indian References

    • The Hindu epic Srimad Bhagwat Mahapuranam, which was likely composed between 3500 to 1800 B.C., references a person who may have had scoliosis. Kubja, a follower of the god Krishna, was a hunchback with a spine that was deformed. The story goes on to explain how Krishna laid his hands upon Kubja, pressing her feet down and gently drawing her chin up, and was able to straighten her spine. And so this early reference to the disease also reveals an early treatment.

    Ancient Greek Medicine

    • The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates coined the term scoliosis. He did pioneering work in treating the disease, including methods like application of axial traction and trans-abdominal correction. His work laid the groundwork for the foundation of Western medicine.

    Ambroise Pare

    • In 1510, French surgeon Ambroise Pare advocated the use of extension and pressure against the body to treat scoliosis. He suggested that patients be treated using a specially designed padded iron corset. He advocated the use of great force and levers to contort the body. However, by modern standards, he was lax in his understanding of how important after-treatment was to the continued health of the patient.

    Lewis A. Sayre

    • In 1878, Lewis A. Sayre, an orthopedic surgeon, wrote a book called "Spinal Disease and Spinal Curvature." In his book, he argued that the superior treatment method for the disease would be to have patients suspend themselves in a jacket made out of plaster of Paris, an idea he borrowed from Dr. Benjamin Lee of Philadelphia and Prof. Mitchell of Philadelphia. The jackets would be worn daily during a series of exercises.

    Modern Treatment Options

    • Modern treatment for the disease depends on the severity of the curves in the spinal column. Spinal curves of 25 to 40 degrees need to be braced, but curves greater than that typically require surgical intervention. Patients who are still growing often wear braces as well. One popular kind of bracing is the thoracolumbosacral brace (TLSO). TLSOs are custom-molded plastic braces. The braces have been designed to wrap around the rib cage, back and hips.

      When surgery is required, patients have metal rods inserted into the bones of the spine. These rods, in concert with screws, hooks and wires, can correct the curve.

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