Scoliorachitic is a medical term used to describe a rare skeletal disorder that can occur in children who suffer from malnutrition. The word is spelled phonetically as /skɒliərəˈkɪtɪk/. The letters "sc" represent the "s" sound and the "k" sound, while the combination of letters "io" makes the "ə" sound as in "uh". "Rachitic" refers to a deficiency of vitamin D, which can cause softening and deformity of bones, while "scolio" refers to a sideways curvature of the spine that can occur in scoliosis.
Scoliorachitic is an adjective that describes a medical condition known as scoliosis rickets. Scoliosis refers to the abnormal curvature of the spine, while rickets is a disorder that affects bone development in children due to a deficiency of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate. Therefore, when combined, the term scoliorachitic refers to a specific type of rickets characterized by the presence of scoliosis.
In scoliorachitic individuals, the insufficient levels of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate impede proper bone mineralization, leading to weakened bones that are prone to curvature. This condition primarily affects children during their growth phase, as the bones are rapidly developing. The abnormal spinal curvature typically results in a sideways curvature of the spine, making it appear like an "S" or a "C" shape.
The symptoms of scoliorachitic include back pain, muscle stiffness, limited range of motion, and difficulty breathing due to the pressure exerted on the lungs as the spine changes its shape. Rickets-related symptoms such as bowed legs and deformities of the arms and wrists may also be present.
Treatment for scoliorachitic involves addressing the underlying vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate deficiency to promote bone health and development. This usually involves vitamin D and vitamin supplements, dietary adjustments, and exposure to sunlight, which aids in the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin.
In conclusion, the term scoliorachitic refers to the specific combination of scoliosis and rickets, resulting in an abnormal curvature of the spine characterized by weakened bones in children.
Noting a spinal curvature due to rickets.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "scoliorachitic" is derived from the combination of three different roots:
1. "scolio-" is derived from the Greek word "skolios" (σκολιός), which means "crooked" or "curved". It is commonly used in medical terminology to refer to conditions related to curvature of the spine, such as scoliosis.
2. "rachi-" is derived from the Greek word "rhachis" (ῥάχις), which means "spine" or "backbone". It also appears in various medical terms that relate to the spine, such as rachitis (inflammation of the spine) and spondylarthritis (inflammation of the vertebrae).
3. "-itic" is a suffix that indicates a connection to or a resulting condition of a disease.