Scoliosis is a medical term taken from a Greek word meaning curvature. This disease often develops during childhood, and it causes the spine to curve laterally (to the side) to the left or right.
The spine is supposed to have some curves—when looked at from the side. There are natural curves in and out at the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions. You can see these curves in the image below: Look at the illustration on the left (labeled the lateral view). These natural curves position the head over the pelvis and work as shock absorbers to distribute mechanical stress during movement.
But when the spine is viewed from behind (the posterior view, as doctors say), the spine should be straight. You can see that illustrated in the image ablove on the right. However, a scoliotic spine bends to the left or right and can resemble the letter S or C.
Scoliosis is a complex three-dimensional disease.
To understand this concept, think about this: in some cases of scoliosis, as the spine curves abnormally, the involved vertebrae are forced to rotate.
If rotation occurs at the thoracic level of the spine (that's the mid-back), vertebral turning impacts the rib cage and may result in rib prominence on the opposite side of the curve.
In severe cases, lung and heart function can be compromised. Fortunately, severe cases of scoliosis are not as prevalent as smaller curves.
In the United States, 3 to 5 children out of 1,000 will develop scoliotic curves large enough to warrant treatment. In fact, the worldwide prevalence of scoliosis, including all forms of the disease, is only 1%.
There are 3 types of scoliosis that affect children:
Infantile scoliosis occurs before age three and is seen more frequently in boys. Although neurologic involvement is possible, many resolve spontaneously. Some may progress to severe deformity.
Juvenile scoliosis is found more frequently in girls between the ages of 3 and 10. These curves are at a high risk for progression and often require surgical intervention.
Adolescent scoliosis, also termed adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), occurs between age 10 and skeletal maturity. AIS may start at the onset of puberty or becomes apparent during an adolescent growth spurt. Females are at higher risk, often requiring surgical treatment, if non-operative treatment fails to halt curvature.
Scoliosis can be congenital, meaning it was caused by a vertebral defect discovered at birth. Idiopathic scoliosis simply means the scoliosis occurred without known cause.
Early diagnosis and treatment helps to prevent curve progression and deformity. Scoliosis left untreated may progress, leaving the spine abnormally curved, stiff, and sometimes rigid. This makes treatment difficult and increases the risks for serious complications.
Medical and Family History: First Step in Scoliosis Diagnosis
The patient, parents, and physician discuss the medical and family history. The physician looks for any underlying medical condition that might be causing scoliosis. A family history of the disease or other attributing medical disorders is noted.
The patient's age, onset of puberty, or menarche (girls) helps to determine the number of years remaining until the child reaches adulthood, at which time curve progression may cease.
Physical Examination
A thorough physical examination reveals a lot about the health and general fitness of the patient. The exam provides a baseline from which the physician can measure the patient's progress during treatment. The physician will observe the patient standing (front and back) and look for any asymmetric abnormalities in the shoulders, rib cage, waist, and pelvis.
Patients with scoliosis may present humpback, one hip higher than the other, or listing to one side.
In severe scoliosis, cardiopulmonary (heart/lung) function is tested. The physical examination also includes:
Neurological Examination
Patients are assessed for underlying neurological problems that may be causing scoliosis. The following symptoms are assessed:
Radiographs (X-rays) Show the Scoliotic Curve
X-rays indicate if the scoliotic curves are structural (major) or non-structural (minor).
To see the entire length of the spine, the doctor will have the patient stand. Two views are typically taken in x-rays for scoliosis: PA (posterior-anterior, or back to front) and lateral (side) x-rays.
Sdie bending AP (anterior-posteriod, or front to back) x-rays are sometimes done to assess spinal flexiblity.
Examples of Images Showing Scoliosis
Congenital Thoracic Curve
Progressive Curve
Spinal (Skeletal) Maturity: How Much Growing Is Left?
Spinal bone maturity helps to determine curve progression. The Risser Sign radiographically observes the iliac crest growth plate, a fan-shaped part of the pelvis. At maturity, the crest has fused with the pelvis. A hand x-ray can also give information as to skeletal maturation.
If the child still has growing left to do, that indicates that the curve may continue to progress (get worse).
In childhood scoliosis (as well as adult scoliosis), curves are classified according to pattern (shape) and magnitude (severity). Classifying the curve helps the doctor determine the best treatment plan.
A treatment plan is determined by the child's age, remaining growth potential, curve pattern and magnitude, anticipated rate of progression, and appearance.
Spinal Bracing for Scoliosis
In the past, plaster casting was routinely used to treat scoliosis. Today plaster jackets are used to treat some cases of infantile scoliosis. Casting is generally not used today except in countries where bracing is not available.
Bracing is the standard treatment today used to prevent curve progression and improve deformity.
Typically bracing is prescribed for children with smaller curves ranging from 20 to 40 degrees. Bracing may temporarily correct the scoliosis but does not cure the disease.
Children and teenagers may find bracing difficult because the brace can be uncomfortable, hot, rigid, unattractive, and must be worn 16 to 23 hours a day. Although well disguised under clothing, it can make a child self-conscious.
Bracing is usually not prescribed when the curve is greater than 40 degrees. Certain types of curves do not respond to bracing, such as high thoracic curves. In those situations, surgical intervention may be warranted.
Surgery to Correct Scoliosis
Scoliotic curves greater than 45-50 degrees are usually treated surgically. Rods, bars, wires, screws, and other types of medically designed hardware are used to surgically control and correct scoliosis. These procedures may enable the child to sit upright, thereby reducing the risk for cardiopulmonary complication. Furthermore, instrumentation (hardware) may increase the child's ability to be mobile. These devices are meant to hold the spine straight while the process of fusion occurs.
In infantile and juvenile scoliosis, rods may be implanted without bone grafts. Bone grafts facilitate fusion. Later in life, spinal instrumentation and fusion provide a more permanent treatment.
Adolescent scoliosis may be treated surgically using spinal instrumentation and fusion, when necessary.
The goals of spinal instrumentation include:
Scoliosis: Pre-operative and Post-Operative X-Rays
Whether the treatment course is conservative or surgical, it is important to closely follow the physician and/or physical therapist's instructions. Discuss any concerns about activity restrictions with your child's doctor. He or shewill be able to suggest safe alternatives.
Physical therapy may be incorporated into the treatment plan to build strength, flexibility, and increase range of motion. The therapist may provide the patient a customized home exercise program.
If the patient undergoes surgery, written instructions and prescriptions for necessary medication are given prior to release from the hospital. The patient's care continues during follow-up visits with his or her surgeon.
Childhood scoliosis is complex, but the doctor will develop a treatment plan that addresses the curve and any other symptoms.
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