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.
Early signs of scoliosis include: a hip or shoulder that is higher than the other, a head that is not properly centered and ribs that are raised on one side. Before undergoing any form of treatment, one needs to have a clinical history taken and a physical examination conducted. Radiological images such as X-rays and CT scans are used to assess the severity of the problem.
The main reason as to why intervention would be needed is to arrest the progress of the condition and to provide some stability to the spine. If the severity falls into the mild category, one may lead a normal life even without treatment. The options that are used in managing the condition fall under two major categories: non-surgical and surgical. The choice is largely dependent on the degree of severity.
If the condition is the result of an underlying problem (non-structural type), treating the underlying problem will improve the abnormal spine curvature and relieve the associated symptoms. Examples of such conditions include differences in the length of lower limbs and muscle spasms. If it is due to a disease that directly affects the spine (the structural type), treatment will most likely be required.
There are two main ways of treating this condition conservatively. The first option is to observe the patient over time so as to determine whether there is a significant change in the angulation of the curvature. Children that are still growing are usually required to visit the doctor every four to six months for a physical examination while adults only need to have this visit once every year. The second option involves using braces.
The brace is associated with a number of complications among the wearers. One of the commonest is discomfort. In some cases it may be too much as to prevent continued wearing. Skin irritation is another common complaint that should be anticipated. Note that the brace will not necessarily prevent the increase in the curvature and there is a need to have regular check-ups to asses for this progress.
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 outcomes of treating scoliosis can be significantly improved if the problem is identified early. The factors that determine whether or not intervention is required include the size of the curve, patient age, and skeletal age. Most cases are mild and are simply observed over time. Braces may be used in selected cases. Surgery is chosen in very severe cases or if the condition is rapidly worsening. The role of such an operation will be to stabilize the spine and to decrease the curve.
Early signs of scoliosis include: a hip or shoulder that is higher than the other, a head that is not properly centered and ribs that are raised on one side. Before undergoing any form of treatment, one needs to have a clinical history taken and a physical examination conducted. Radiological images such as X-rays and CT scans are used to assess the severity of the problem.
The main reason as to why intervention would be needed is to arrest the progress of the condition and to provide some stability to the spine. If the severity falls into the mild category, one may lead a normal life even without treatment. The options that are used in managing the condition fall under two major categories: non-surgical and surgical. The choice is largely dependent on the degree of severity.
If the condition is the result of an underlying problem (non-structural type), treating the underlying problem will improve the abnormal spine curvature and relieve the associated symptoms. Examples of such conditions include differences in the length of lower limbs and muscle spasms. If it is due to a disease that directly affects the spine (the structural type), treatment will most likely be required.
There are two main ways of treating this condition conservatively. The first option is to observe the patient over time so as to determine whether there is a significant change in the angulation of the curvature. Children that are still growing are usually required to visit the doctor every four to six months for a physical examination while adults only need to have this visit once every year. The second option involves using braces.
The brace is associated with a number of complications among the wearers. One of the commonest is discomfort. In some cases it may be too much as to prevent continued wearing. Skin irritation is another common complaint that should be anticipated. Note that the brace will not necessarily prevent the increase in the curvature and there is a need to have regular check-ups to asses for this progress.
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 outcomes of treating scoliosis can be significantly improved if the problem is identified early. The factors that determine whether or not intervention is required include the size of the curve, patient age, and skeletal age. Most cases are mild and are simply observed over time. Braces may be used in selected cases. Surgery is chosen in very severe cases or if the condition is rapidly worsening. The role of such an operation will be to stabilize the spine and to decrease the curve.
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