Here are some rigorous definitions I found for these terms from reliable sources:
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http://eradiology.bidmc.harvard.edu/...o/Sabatini.pdf
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http://www.espine.com/adolescent-scoliosis.htm
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http://www.mccc.edu/~petroskw/outlin..._Scoliosis.pdf (emphasis added)
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http://eradiology.bidmc.harvard.edu/...o/Sabatini.pdf
Non-structural - has no structural component; it corrects on supine side-bending films
Non-structural scoliosis - reversible lateral curvature without rotation
Structural - lacks normal flexibility
Structural scoliosis - irreversible lateral curvature of the spine with rotation of the vertebral bodies in the area of the major curve
Non-structural scoliosis - reversible lateral curvature without rotation
Structural - lacks normal flexibility
Structural scoliosis - irreversible lateral curvature of the spine with rotation of the vertebral bodies in the area of the major curve
http://www.espine.com/adolescent-scoliosis.htm
Structural curves are defined as those curves that incompletely straighten on side-bending. Compensatory curves straighten significantly on side bending and function to produce spinal balance.
http://www.mccc.edu/~petroskw/outlin..._Scoliosis.pdf (emphasis added)
Scoliosis can be classified in several ways. First, scoliosis can be classified into 2 groups: functional (nonstructural) and structural.8,9,12,13,18 Functional scoliosis means that the spine is structurally normal, but a lateral curve has developed as a secondary response to a problem occurring elsewhere in the body.13 Nonstructural scoliosis also is known as compensatory or postural scoliosis and can occur due to differing leg lengths or a tilt to the pelvis, as well as flexion deformities at the hip or knee.9,13,18 In nonstructural scoliosis, the lateral curve to the spine resolves when the patient is seated or recumbent.13,18 Several other types of nonstructural scoliosis have been identified, including sciatic scoliosis, hysterical scoliosis and inflammatory scoliosis.18 Sometimes these types are classified as transient structural scoliosis.9 Sciatic scoliosis results when patients experience a painful sciatic nerve and try to position themselves to lessen the pain, creating a compensatory spinal curve.18 Inflammatory scoliosis results from an infective process such as appendicitis, while hysterical scoliosis develops from an underlying psychological disorder.18 In nonstructural scoliosis, the abnormal curve of the spine is usually temporary and disappears when the underlying cause has been addressed.3
Structural scoliosis is the type of scoliosis most people are familiar with. The spine not only has a lateral curve, but also has a rotational element to the vertebrae.18 Structural scoliosis directly involves the structural aspect of the spine and does not go away when the patient lies down or sits upright.9,13,18
Structural scoliosis is the type of scoliosis most people are familiar with. The spine not only has a lateral curve, but also has a rotational element to the vertebrae.18 Structural scoliosis directly involves the structural aspect of the spine and does not go away when the patient lies down or sits upright.9,13,18
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