All About Scoliosis

Who Gets Scoliosis?

In childhood, idiopathic scoliosis occurs in both girls and boys. However, as children enter adolescence, girls are five to eight times more likely to have their curves increase in size and require treatment.

What Are the Signs of Scoliosis?

One shoulder may be higher than the other.

• One scapula (shoulder blade) may be higher or more prominent than the other.
• With the arms hanging loosely at the side, there may be more space between the arm and the body on one side.
• One hip may appear to be higher or more prominent than the other.
• The head is not centered over the pelvis.
• When the patient is examined from the rear and asked to bend forward until the spine is horizontal, one side of the back appears higher than the other.

What Should Be Done?

In ninety percent of cases, scoliotic curves are mild and do not require active treatment. In the growing adolescent, it is very important that the curves be monitored for change by periodic examination and standing X-rays as needed. Increases in spinal deformity require evaluation by an orthopaedic surgeon to determine if back brace treatment is required. In a small number of patients, surgical treatment may be needed.

What Factors Determine Treatment?

• Age in years.
• Bone age (the maturation of bone is not always the same as the chronological age).
• Degree of curvature.
• Location of curve in the spine.
• Status of menses/puberty.
• Sex of the patient.
• Worsening of curve

Who Gets Scoliosis?

In childhood, idiopathic scoliosis occurs in both girls and boys. However, as children enter adolescence, girls are five to eight times more likely to have their curves increase in size and require treatment.