Unpublished MSc thesis, Wiener Schule für Osteopathie, 2008/09, 76, type of study: ,rev,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Free full text   (https://www.osteopathicresearch.org/s/orw/item/2955)

Keywords:

idiopathic scoliosis [6]
biomedical studies [1]
diametral contradictions [1]
osteopathic theories [1]
similarities [1]
review [753]
WSO [508]

Abstract:

The question of the aetiology of the three-dimensional spinal deformity of idiopathic scoliosis (IS) has not been answered so far. Current biomedical studies and osteopathic theories that offer possible explanations for the development of IS are reviewed to identify similarities or diametrical differences of the two approaches. The results of the biomedical studies show various possible influences on the development of IS: Genetic factors, structural anomalies, anatomical asymmetrical patterns, neurological dysfunctions. But none of them seems to be completely accepted in biomedical research. Osteopathic theories for the aetiology of IS are dysfunctions in the embryology, trauma indicated by the birth process, SSB-dysfunctions, dysfuncions on a bony-, membranous-, or fluid-level induced by traumata. Also fascial distortions are discussed as possibilities that initiate the development of scoliosis. The known osteopathic theories for the development of IS are not based on empirical studies and the so called “dysfunctions” are diagnosed via palpation so that the reliability of the postulated theories therefore is doubtful. Similarities between biomedicine and osteopathy can be found in some hypotheses about possible causes of IS like disturbances in the embryology or in the last months of pregnancy but in both cases they have so far not been proven by clinical research. In order to find an answer to the question of the aetiology of idiopathic scoliosis further interdisciplinary studies are needed.