Treatment of Idiopathic Scoliosis in Children
Discuss All Your Child's Options With Her Doctor Before Deciding
May 25, 2009
Idiopathic scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine that can occur in children between the ages of 8 to 12 and is twice as likely to occur in girls as in boys. The curves can occur in either the upper spine, lower spine, or both. In severe cases the spine can twist in a corkscrew pattern and harm vital organs such as the heart and lungs. Early detection through yearly physicals, school detection programs or by parents checking their child periodically are important in case treatment is necessary.
Types of Treatment
In 90% of scoliosis cases no treatment is necessary except for monitoring the child’s spine throughout her growth cycle. However, there are many factors to consider when treating scoliosis. Curves of the spine are measured in degrees, so the higher the degree of the curve, the more likely there will be treatment. Other factors include the age of the child, the development stage she is in and the location of the curve.
Most spinal curves under the 25 degree range are generally safe and only need to be monitored. However, if a child is prepubescent and still has many years of growth left, the curve may worsen and treatment may be necessary. Children with spinal curves that are over 30 degrees are candidates for bracing, while those who have curves in the 45 degree range or higher should consider surgery.
If a child has a curve of over 45 degrees or if there is any question as to whether or not the child should have surgery, the next step is to ask the specialist to refer a surgeon for evaluation. The surgeon is the only person who can evaluate the child’s candidacy for surgery. Waiting too long can make it more difficult for the surgeon to straighten the child’s spine effectively. Knowing all of the options available before beginning treatment is the best way to make an informed decision.
Bracing Keeps Curves From Worsening
Bracing for scoliosis is different for each patient depending upon the severity of the curve and where it is located. The point of bracing is to keep the spine in one position so the curve will not worsen as the child grows. In most instances today, braces are worn from the chest down and can be easily covered with clothing. Braces are made of molded plastic and are padded at strategic points. They are generally worn 24 hours a day, although in some instances they are worn only at night. Once a child has gone through puberty and is no longer growing she can stop wearing the brace.
Surgery for Severe Scoliosis Cases
Surgery is used in only the most severe cases and has to be performed before a child has finished growing. In most cases, surgery involves correcting the spine by fusing vertebrae together and inserting rods along the spine to hold it in place. How straight the child’s spine will be after surgery depends upon how severe the curves are and how flexible the child’s spine is at the time of surgery. Fusing the spine will keep it in place so the child will not have problems with the spine twisting inward and damaging the lungs and the heart later in life.
Children with idiopathic scoliosis who are diagnosed early have a better chance of responding favorably to treatment. Understanding all of the options available is the best way to assure the child is getting the right treatment for her condition.
