What is an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine often demonstrated with bending images called?

An abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, typically assessed through bending images, is identified as scoliosis. This condition involves a sideways curvature that often occurs during the growth spurt just before puberty. Scoliosis can manifest as a single curve or a double curve, leading to various physical health issues and changes in posture.

When evaluating images for scoliosis, radiologists often look for the degree of curvature and any asymmetrical alignment of the shoulders and hips. This condition is distinct from other spinal conditions such as kyphosis, which is characterized by an exaggerated forward rounding of the back, and lordosis, which refers to an excessive inward curvature of the spine, typically in the lower back. Stenosis, on the other hand, pertains to the narrowing of the spinal canal and does not specifically refer to curvature. Thus, scoliosis directly answers the question concerning the lateral curvature of the spine.