1972 Volume 21 Issue 3 Pages 237-240
Idiopathic scoliosis is a diagnosis of the curve which etiology is unknown, and is simultaneously considered to be a huge dust box of the diagnosis. This report is on our etiological and therapeutic approach to idiopathic scoliosis.
Equilibrium approach: Among 145 idiopathic cases 109 (75%) were found to have equilibrium dysfunction in the proprioceptive reflex system (rightening reflex test, writing test) as well as in the optic reflex system (spontaneous nystagmus test, optokinetic nystagmus test). The clinical and experimental investigations indicated that equilibrium dysfunction in scoliosis is caused by a malfunction in a postural reflex system at the brain-stem as well as the peripheral nervous system.
Neurohumoral approach: Idiopathic cases proved to have a marked tendency of emaciation and a low level Basal Metabolic Rate. The results of the tests for endcrine function (growth hormone, pituitary gonatropin, urinary 17 OHCS and ACTH and Metopiron loading test, insulin and suger response) indicated that in the cases with idiopathic scoliosis there exist a hypofunction in the hypothalmo-hypophyseal-endocrine system. As well known, postural reflex system is functionally connected to the metabolic regulative system at the hypothalmus and the brain-stem.
These clinical charasteristic facts in idiopathic cases should be reflected to the treatment. Mostly desirable method of the treatment is active correction by the early detection of the curve. We developed “Active Corrective Plaster Jacket” as an early treatment of scoliosis. The purpose of the treatment is to correct the curve actively in accordance with righting reflex of the posture, and to improve the equilibrium function.
Our comprehensive treatment program was presented.
