Vascular Asymmetry in Scoliosis: A Scoping Review of Anatomical Evidence and Functional Implications
Location
Moultrie, GA
Start Date
17-4-2026 12:00 PM
End Date
17-4-2026 1:00 PM
Description
Introduction
Scoliosis alters spinal alignment which may influence the position and function of adjacent vascular structures. Although vascular complications related to scoliosis and its surgical correction have been reported, the potential contribution of scoliosis-associated vascular asymmetry to functional impairment remains unclear. The objective of this scoping review was to synthesize existing literature describing vascular anatomical changes associated with scoliosis and to examine related evidence plausibly linking altered paraspinal perfusion to functional outcomes such as endurance and pain.
Methods
A scoping review was conducted using PubMed with a lower publication date limit of 2005. A primary search identified studies describing vascular anatomy, displacement, and compression associated with scoliosis or spinal deformity, yielding 75 results. A secondary search identified studies examining functional consequences of altered perfusion such as muscle endurance, fatigue, oxygenation, and pain, yielding 76 results. Data extraction included study design, population, vascular structures involved, imaging or assessment modality, and reported functional relevance. The following search terms were used:
Primary: (scoliosis) AND (vascular OR artery OR segmental artery OR intercostal artery) AND (displacement OR asymmetry OR compression)
Secondary: ("paraspinal muscle" OR "back muscle") AND (perfusion OR ischemia OR fatigue) AND ("chronic pain" OR "low back pain")
Inclusion: English, humans
Exclusion: published prior to 2005
Results
The primary search yielded predominantly case reports and observational studies describing vascular compression or positional alteration associated with spinal deformity or corrective interventions. Commonly assessed structures included the thoracic and abdominal aorta, superior mesenteric artery, inferior vena cava, and spinal cord vasculature. Reported clinical manifestations included hemodynamic compromise, ischemic neurological injury, gastrointestinal symptoms, and postoperative exercise intolerance. The secondary search identified literature demonstrating associations between altered muscle perfusion, oxygenation, and pain with endurance and fatigue as seen in populations who do not necessarily have scoliosis, but analogous conditions.
Discussion
Synthesizing these searches indicates that scoliosis-related alterations in spinal alignment can affect vascular anatomy and hemodynamics. Mapping literary findings from related populations supports a plausible mechanistic link between altered paraspinal perfusion and functional impairments. These results highlight an underexplored area in the scoliosis literature and underscore the need for future studies integrating vascular imaging with functional and rehabilitation-focused outcomes to better inform nonoperative management strategies such as positional therapy, bracing, and corrective surgery.
Embargo Period
5-26-2026
Included in
Vascular Asymmetry in Scoliosis: A Scoping Review of Anatomical Evidence and Functional Implications
Moultrie, GA
Introduction
Scoliosis alters spinal alignment which may influence the position and function of adjacent vascular structures. Although vascular complications related to scoliosis and its surgical correction have been reported, the potential contribution of scoliosis-associated vascular asymmetry to functional impairment remains unclear. The objective of this scoping review was to synthesize existing literature describing vascular anatomical changes associated with scoliosis and to examine related evidence plausibly linking altered paraspinal perfusion to functional outcomes such as endurance and pain.
Methods
A scoping review was conducted using PubMed with a lower publication date limit of 2005. A primary search identified studies describing vascular anatomy, displacement, and compression associated with scoliosis or spinal deformity, yielding 75 results. A secondary search identified studies examining functional consequences of altered perfusion such as muscle endurance, fatigue, oxygenation, and pain, yielding 76 results. Data extraction included study design, population, vascular structures involved, imaging or assessment modality, and reported functional relevance. The following search terms were used:
Primary: (scoliosis) AND (vascular OR artery OR segmental artery OR intercostal artery) AND (displacement OR asymmetry OR compression)
Secondary: ("paraspinal muscle" OR "back muscle") AND (perfusion OR ischemia OR fatigue) AND ("chronic pain" OR "low back pain")
Inclusion: English, humans
Exclusion: published prior to 2005
Results
The primary search yielded predominantly case reports and observational studies describing vascular compression or positional alteration associated with spinal deformity or corrective interventions. Commonly assessed structures included the thoracic and abdominal aorta, superior mesenteric artery, inferior vena cava, and spinal cord vasculature. Reported clinical manifestations included hemodynamic compromise, ischemic neurological injury, gastrointestinal symptoms, and postoperative exercise intolerance. The secondary search identified literature demonstrating associations between altered muscle perfusion, oxygenation, and pain with endurance and fatigue as seen in populations who do not necessarily have scoliosis, but analogous conditions.
Discussion
Synthesizing these searches indicates that scoliosis-related alterations in spinal alignment can affect vascular anatomy and hemodynamics. Mapping literary findings from related populations supports a plausible mechanistic link between altered paraspinal perfusion and functional impairments. These results highlight an underexplored area in the scoliosis literature and underscore the need for future studies integrating vascular imaging with functional and rehabilitation-focused outcomes to better inform nonoperative management strategies such as positional therapy, bracing, and corrective surgery.
Comments
Presented by Olivia Peoples.