Patients rely on OrthoInfo to help them better understand orthopaedic health issues like arthritis, broken bones, and sports injuries, plus orthopaedic treatments like joint replacement and arthroscopy.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Neuromuscular scoliosis (NMS) is a type of scoliosis that can occur in children who have medical conditions that impair their ability to control the muscles that support the spine. A few of the more common conditions associated with NMS include muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, and spina bifida.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a group of rare diseases that cause muscles to weaken and deteriorate. MD affects the voluntary muscles that control movement in the arms, legs, and trunk. It also can affect involuntary muscles, such as the heart and respiratory muscles.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Scoliosis is a condition that causes the spine to curve sideways. There are several different types of scoliosis that affect children and adolescents. By far, the most common type is "idiopathic," which means the exact cause is not known.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Congenital scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that is caused by a defect that is present at birth. It is much less common than the type of scoliosis that begins in adolescence. Children with congenital scoliosis sometimes have other health issues, such as kidney or bladder problems.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a neck condition that occurs when the spinal cord becomes compressed—or squeezed—due to the wear-and-tear changes that occur in the spine as we age. The condition commonly occurs in patients over the age of 50.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Patients rely on OrthoInfo to help them better understand orthopaedic health issues like arthritis, broken bones, and sports injuries, plus orthopaedic treatments like joint replacement and arthroscopy.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
In lumbar spinal stenosis, the space around the spinal cord in the lumbar spine (lower back) narrows. This puts pressure on the spinal cord and the spinal nerve roots, and can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Osteoarthritis, also known as "wear and tear" arthritis, occurs when the cartilage that cushions and protects the ends of your bones gradually wears away. This leads to pain and stiffness that worsens over time, making it difficult to do daily activities.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Many people are not aware that smoking has a serious negative effect on your bones and joints. By avoiding or quitting smoking, you can reduce your risk for incurring many musculoskeletal conditions, including osteoporosis.| orthoinfo.aaos.org