Kyphosis: a sagittal plane curve that is posteriorly convex
Scoliosis: a frontal plane curve
FUNCTIONAL CURVES | STRUCTURAL CURVES |
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Functional curves are not part of the bony anatomy.More often, they are associated with asymmetries in the resting lengths of soft tissues like the ligaments that cross a joint or series of joints. Functional curves are often compensations for postural asymmetries. We may observe them in some postures and during certain tasks but not others; they may be task-dependent |
Structural curves are bony,fixed and inflexible,
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SPECIAL NAMES FOR SCOLIOSES
FUNCTIONAL SCOLIOSIS | STRUCTURAL SCOLIOSIS |
|---|---|
A functional scoliosis bears no special name; clinicians describe it in the context of the posture or task during which it appears. | Clinicians name a structural scoliosis (e.g. a right lumbar scoliosis) for the side on which it is convex and for the location of the curve's apex |