Scoliosis

Scoliosis refers to abnormalities of the rotation of the spine in the coronal (front), sagittal (side), and axial planes, causing the spine to curve unnaturally. Scoliosis can develop at any stage of life, although its exact cause remains unknown at this time. On average, this condition is not painful, although a severely malaligned spine can be disabling. Patients may have uneven shoulders or hips, an uneven waist, an abnormal gate, excessive leaning, and a rotated or twisted spine to name a few symptoms. 

After an extensive diagnosis, mild cases may not need treatment outside of monitoring. Bracing is usually recommended after the patient’s spine curvature measures 20-25 degrees, if there is still growth remaining. Bracing, however, does not cure scoliosis; it merely prevents it from getting worse. Scoliosis curves that exceed 45-50 degrees are deemed severe and in need of surgical treatment.

Spinal fusion is the common surgical solution for scoliosis. During the inpatient procedure, the bones are cut and realigned into the proper position, and then joined with screws and rods to stabilize and fix them in their newly corrected position. In cases involving disc degeneration, a spinal decompression is also performed to correct the issue. In younger patients, with rapidly progressing scoliosis, a rod may be installed to adjust its length as the child grows.