Question

An adolescent female patient is diagnosed with right thoracic scoliosis with a 52 degree curvature. Which of the following is MOST likely a true statement based on the patient's diagnosis?

A. The patient's thoracic vertebral bodies and spinous processes are rotated to the left
B. The patient's right-side thoracic transverse processes are rotated anteriorly, carrying the ribs with them
C. The patient's left-side thoracic transverse processes are rotated posteriorly
D. In neutral standing posture, the patient has a left lateral flexion bias of the thoracic spine

Answer 1

The patient's right-side thoracic transverse processes are rotated anteriorly, carrying the ribs with them.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the patient's diagnosis of right thoracic scoliosis with a 52-degree curvature, the most likely true statement is:

1. The patient's right-side thoracic transverse processes are rotated anteriorly, carrying the ribs with them.

Scoliosis is an abnormal, lateral curvature of the vertebral column, and in this case, it is affecting the thoracic region. The rotation and curvature of the spine cause the right-side transverse processes to rotate anteriorly, resulting in an asymmetrical position of the ribs.