What Is Scoliosis? Scoliosis is a lateral (toward the side) curvature in the normally straight vertical line of the spine.

When viewed from the side, the spine should show a mild roundness in the upper back and shows a degree of swayback (inward curvature) in the lower back. When a person with a normal spine is viewed from the front or back, the spine appears to be straight. When a person with scoliosis is viewed from the front or back, the spine appears to be curved. What Causes Scoliosis? There are many types and causes of scoliosis, including: Congenital scoliosis. aused by a bone abnormality present at birth. Neuromuscular scoliosis. ! result of abnormal muscles or nerves. "re#uently seen in people with spina bifida or cerebral palsy or in those with various conditions that are accompanied by, or result in, paralysis. Degenerative scoliosis. This may result from traumatic (from an in$ury or illness) bone collapse, previous ma$or back surgery, or osteoporosis (thining of the bones). Idiopathic scoliosis. The most common type of scoliosis, idiopathic scoliosis, has no specific identifiable cause. There are many theories, but none have been found to be conclusive. There is, however, strong evidence that idiopathic scoliosis is inherited.

Who Gets Scoliosis?

!ppro%imately &' to (' of !mericans at age )* have scoliosis. +ess than ,.)' have spinal curves measuring greater than -, degrees, which is the point at which surgery becomes a consideration. .verall, girls are more likely to be affected than boys. /diopathic scoliosis is most commonly a condition of adolescence affecting those aged ), through )*. /diopathic scoliosis may progress during the 0growth spurt0 years, but usually will not progress during adulthood. How Is Scoliosis Diagnosed? 1ost scoliosis curves are initially detected on school screening e%ams, by a child2s pediatrician or family doctor, or by a parent. Some clues that a child may have scoliosis include uneven shoulders, a prominent shoulder blade, uneven waist, or leaning to one side. The diagnosis of scoliosis and the determination of the type of scoliosis are then made by a careful bone e%am and an 34ray to evaluate the magnitude of the curve. What Is the Treatment for Scoliosis? The ma$ority of adolescents with significant scoliosis with no known cause are observed at regular intervals (usually every four months to si% months), including a physical e%am and a low radiation 34ray. Treatments for scoliosis include: races. 5racing is the usual treatment choice for adolescents who have a spinal curve between &6 degrees to -, degrees 44 particularly if their bones are still maturing and if they have at least & years of growth remaining. The purpose of bracing is to halt progression of the curve. /t may provide a temporary correction, but usually the curve will assume its original magnitude when bracing is eliminated.

Surger!. Those who have curves beyond -, degrees to 6, degrees are often considered for scoliosis surgery. The goal is to make sure the curve does not get worse, but surgery does not perfectly straighten the spine. 7uring the procedure, metallic implants are utili8ed to correct some of the curvature and hold it in the correct position until a bone graft, placed at the time of surgery, consolidates and creates a rigid fusion in the area of the curve. Scoliosis surgery usually involves $oining the vertebrae together permanently44 called spinal fusion.