Scoliosis
What is Scoliosis?
Also known as the side curvature of the spine, scoliosis is a spine condition that usually occurs during one’s growth spurt, typically before one hits puberty.
In some cases, scoliosis may be caused by muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy. For many cases, the cause is unknown.
What are the Symptoms of Scoliosis?
Those who have scoliosis may notice uneven shoulders, waist, and hips (one hip may be higher than the other).
If you suspect your loved one has scoliosis, it’s important to see a specialist immediately. Scoliosis can progress if left unmanaged.
How Do We Diagnose and Manage Scoliosis?
A thorough medical assessment is vital in diagnosing scoliosis.
When a patient comes in because of suspected scoliosis, we take their medical history and conduct a physical examination.
During the physical exam, we ask the patient to bend forward from the waist to see if one side of the rib cage is more prominent than the other.
We also do neurological tests to check if nerves are affected and some imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the condition.
Treatment will depend greatly on one’s case. For mild cases, most children don’t need any form of treatment, but they have to be continually monitored for possible progression of the spine curvature.
For moderate cases, using a brace may be recommended. The brace doesn’t treat the curvature itself but is just there to keep it from progressing. The patient is usually weaned from using the brace once he/she stops growing.
And for severe cases, surgical procedures such as spinal fusion may be the most suitable option.
We have a dedicated pediatric orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Mark Moran. Dr. Moran and his team will help you find the best treatment option for your child with scoliosis. To request a same day or next day appointment, you may call us at (772) 288-2400.