The Center for Spinal Disorders and Pediatric Orthopedics

Patient Education: What is Scoliosis?
The Center for Spinal Disorders and Pediatric Orthopedics New location coming soon! RELATED LINKS • Fracture Appointment • Free Scoliosis Screening • What it Scoliosis		Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine. The cause is unknown in approximately 80% of cases and is termed, Idiopathic Scoliosis. Idiopathic scoliosis may occur in infants, juveniles or adolescents and is present in 2-4 percent of children between the ages of 10-16. Scoliosis may also be present in adults and may be a primary source of pain and dysfunction. The infantile form occurs in children less than 3 years of age and is rare in the United States. It is more common in boys and may resolve spontaneously. The juvenile form occurs between the ages of 4 and 9. This form of idiopathic scoliosis is usually progressive. The adolescent form is by far the most common and seen in children between the age of 10 and skeletal maturity. While smaller curves are seen in boys and girls, curves greater than 30 degrees are seen more commonly in girls and, therefore, girls more often need treatment than boys with idiopathic scoliosis. Factors that most often determine if treatment is required are gender, amount of growth remaining and the magnitude of the curve at time of diagnosis. Adult scoliosis typically is seen in patients who did not receive treatment when they were younger or have scoliosis as the result of degeneration of the spine. This may occur in patients who previously had a straight spine and, unlike scoliosis in children, adult scoliosis is frequently associated with narrowing of the spinal canal which may result in the pinching of nerves resulting in a much different set of challenges in deciding when and how treatment should be rendered. If scoliosis is suspected after screening, a thorough history and physical examination is required. If the diagnosis is confirmed, a treatment plan will be recommended. Many children with scoliosis simply require an x-ray to check for progression. If progression is noted, some children will require bracing in an attempt to slow or halt the progression but large curves typically require surgery to prevent the curvature from affecting the functions of the heart and lungs and to treat the obvious deformity that may result in postural imbalance and cosmetic dissatisfaction. The goal of any treatment for scoliosis is to limit the deformity of the spine and rib cage. While surgery may provide some correction of the deformity, the decision for surgery must be weighed against the risks and benefits of not only the surgery but the lasting effects of not having surgery. The surgery for idiopathic adolescent scoliosis involves fusing the bones of the spine together to prevent progression of the curve. After 6-12 months, the fusion is usually solid and children typically return to their normal activities. A number of weeks are required for complete recovery after surgery. Therefore, the surgery is usually performed during the summer break so that children will not miss too much school during their recovery.

Patient Education: What is Scoliosis?

The Center for Spinal
Disorders and
Pediatric Orthopedics
New location coming soon!

RELATED LINKS
• Fracture Appointment
• Free Scoliosis Screening
• What it Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine. The cause is unknown in approximately 80% of cases and is termed, Idiopathic Scoliosis. Idiopathic scoliosis may occur in infants, juveniles or adolescents and is present in 2-4 percent of children between the ages of 10-16. Scoliosis may also be present in adults and may be a primary source of pain and dysfunction.

The infantile form occurs in children less than 3 years of age and is rare in the United States. It is more common in boys and may resolve spontaneously. The juvenile form occurs between the ages of 4 and 9. This form of idiopathic scoliosis is usually progressive.

The adolescent form is by far the most common and seen in children between the age of 10 and skeletal maturity. While smaller curves are seen in boys and girls, curves greater than 30 degrees are seen more commonly in girls and, therefore, girls more often need treatment than boys with idiopathic scoliosis. Factors that most often determine if treatment is required are gender, amount of growth remaining and the magnitude of the curve at time of diagnosis.

Adult scoliosis typically is seen in patients who did not receive treatment when they were younger or have scoliosis as the result of degeneration of the spine. This may occur in patients who previously had a straight spine and, unlike scoliosis in children, adult scoliosis is frequently associated with narrowing of the spinal canal which may result in the pinching of nerves resulting in a much different set of challenges in deciding when and how treatment should be rendered.

If scoliosis is suspected after screening, a thorough history and physical examination is required. If the diagnosis is confirmed, a treatment plan will be recommended. Many children with scoliosis simply require an x-ray to check for progression. If progression is noted, some children will require bracing in an attempt to slow or halt the progression but large curves typically require surgery to prevent the curvature from affecting the functions of the heart and lungs and to treat the obvious deformity that may result in postural imbalance and cosmetic dissatisfaction.

The goal of any treatment for scoliosis is to limit the deformity of the spine and rib cage. While surgery may provide some correction of the deformity, the decision for surgery must be weighed against the risks and benefits of not only the surgery but the lasting effects of not having surgery.

The surgery for idiopathic adolescent scoliosis involves fusing the bones of the spine together to prevent progression of the curve. After 6-12 months, the fusion is usually solid and children typically return to their normal activities. A number of weeks are required for complete recovery after surgery. Therefore, the surgery is usually performed during the summer break so that children will not miss too much school during their recovery.