Scoliosis is a problem that affects the spine and is usually diagnosed in childhood. The main characteristic is an abnormal spine curvature either to the right or left side. Many of the cases do not show any symptoms. Girls are more commonly affect by the severe forms for reasons that are not clear. If symptoms are experienced they will include problems in breathing and chest and back pain. Scoliosis treatment can be done in a number of ways.
A number of signs may be seen in an individual with the problem. They include, for instance, a head that is leaning to one side, different levels of shoulders and hips and ribs being at higher level on one side than the other. The doctor will start by taking the relevant clinical history and examining the back to confirm or rule out the diagnosis. Imaging studies such as CT scans and X-rays are also quite helpful.
The objective of treatment is to prevent the worsening of the condition and to provide some stability. For the mild cases, which comprise the majority, affected persons lead normal lives even without intervention. The other cases may be managed using conservative (non-surgical) or surgical methods. The choice will be determined, to a large extent, by the severity.
In some cases, scoliosis is due to another condition that is totally unrelated to the spine such as muscle spasms or differences in the length of lower limbs. This type is known as the non-structural type and is corrected by managing the underlying condition. Cases that directly relate to the spine lead to the structural type and will almost always require some form of intervention.
There are two main options under conservative management. The first is watchful waiting by the doctor. It entails having scheduled appointments during which the patient is examined to establish whether the condition is worsening. In growing children, more sessions are needed and these would typically be done after every four to six months. In adults, one session every year is considered adequate. The second option is the use of braces.
There are several complications that may arise from the use of braces. Varying degrees of discomfort have been reported by the wearers. Such discomfort may discourage the wearing of the device. There may also be skin irritation around the area covered by the brace. The third complication is the worsening of the curvature in spite of putting on the device consistently. Regular examination of the child helps track these complications.
Surgery involves the placement of metallic rods between the affected vertebral bodies to increase stability. Another alternative is to fuse these vertebra so as to convert them into a single bone mass. The latter option is not preferred in young patients as it interferes with the growth of bone. The option here is using the metal rods and having a full-time brace as well.
The results of treating scoliosis are better if early diagnosis and intervention are done. Factors that will determine whether or not treatment will be necessary include patient age, size of curve and skeletal age. The majority of cases are mildly and require no more than close observation. Braces are at times prescribed to stabilize the spine as growth takes place. Surgery is reserved for the most severe cases and its role is to confer stability and to prevent worsening.
A number of signs may be seen in an individual with the problem. They include, for instance, a head that is leaning to one side, different levels of shoulders and hips and ribs being at higher level on one side than the other. The doctor will start by taking the relevant clinical history and examining the back to confirm or rule out the diagnosis. Imaging studies such as CT scans and X-rays are also quite helpful.
The objective of treatment is to prevent the worsening of the condition and to provide some stability. For the mild cases, which comprise the majority, affected persons lead normal lives even without intervention. The other cases may be managed using conservative (non-surgical) or surgical methods. The choice will be determined, to a large extent, by the severity.
In some cases, scoliosis is due to another condition that is totally unrelated to the spine such as muscle spasms or differences in the length of lower limbs. This type is known as the non-structural type and is corrected by managing the underlying condition. Cases that directly relate to the spine lead to the structural type and will almost always require some form of intervention.
There are two main options under conservative management. The first is watchful waiting by the doctor. It entails having scheduled appointments during which the patient is examined to establish whether the condition is worsening. In growing children, more sessions are needed and these would typically be done after every four to six months. In adults, one session every year is considered adequate. The second option is the use of braces.
There are several complications that may arise from the use of braces. Varying degrees of discomfort have been reported by the wearers. Such discomfort may discourage the wearing of the device. There may also be skin irritation around the area covered by the brace. The third complication is the worsening of the curvature in spite of putting on the device consistently. Regular examination of the child helps track these complications.
Surgery involves the placement of metallic rods between the affected vertebral bodies to increase stability. Another alternative is to fuse these vertebra so as to convert them into a single bone mass. The latter option is not preferred in young patients as it interferes with the growth of bone. The option here is using the metal rods and having a full-time brace as well.
The results of treating scoliosis are better if early diagnosis and intervention are done. Factors that will determine whether or not treatment will be necessary include patient age, size of curve and skeletal age. The majority of cases are mildly and require no more than close observation. Braces are at times prescribed to stabilize the spine as growth takes place. Surgery is reserved for the most severe cases and its role is to confer stability and to prevent worsening.
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