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How is it diagnosed?
Since the type and severity of the symptoms are the most significant factors that affect the treatment plan in patients with adult scoliosis, detailed information to your physician is necessary. Your doctor may then order the following studies:
- Direct X ray: Anterior-posterior lumbar X-rays and standing scoliosis X-rays
- MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging may be needed if you have signs such as pain radiating to your legs, weakness, or change in your bladder or bowel functions
- Computer tomography (CT)- MyeloCT: Your doctor may request a CT if he/she thinks that a more detailed imaging directed to the bones is necessary. If your scoliosis is severe, and your doctor thinks that the spinal cord and the compressions on the spinal cord will not be shown well with MRI, then he/she may request a MyeloCT
- Electrodiagnostic tests: These tests may be ordered in patients with leg (radicular) pain to understand the level of nerve compression, and in patients with diabetes to learn whether nerve injury originated from the spinal cord or is caused by diabetes