What is Scoliosis?
Our spine consists of 33 bone structures called vertebra that are organized to carry and move the whole weight of the body. In a normal, healthy individual, spine is the main structure that aligns head, pelvis and the middle point of feet. Spine has its normal curvatures to fit in with the movement of walking on two legs. These curvatures are placed in sagittal plane (side view). While the spine is curved to the front in the head and waist area, they are slightly curved back in the back and sacrum.
A healthy normal spine does not curve to right or left in the frontal view. Curvature to the right or left in the frontal view and mostly twisting around itself simultaneously is called scoliosis. It can be suspected with early findings in the external view such as hip asymmetry, ribs at the back being bent more on one side or one shoulder being lower among these curves or asymmetric views.
How is Scoliosis Diagnosed?
Although Scoliosis is generally detected in adolescence, it can be seen in every age group. Scoliosis can be seen in 10% of the individuals in adolescence and is diagnosed with consultation to doctor upon any reasons but mainly suspicion of parents. Most of the scoliosis cases are in unknown category. This scoliosis is observed more in girls.
Scoliosis examination is done by paediatric orthopaedist checking the sequence of the spine while the child removes her clothes and bends forward. Keeping in mind the frequency of presentation in children, each child shall be examined for the purpose of scanning for scoliosis at specific intervals. Advanced examinations shall be done for children whose clinical examination creates suspicion of scoliosis.
Treatment of Scoliosis
After diagnosis of scoliosis, 20 to 30% of the patients require treatment. Treatment options vary by the age of the child and degree of curvature. Surgery is considered for advanced degree of curvatures. Early diagnosis significantly reduces treatment by surgery.
Non-surgical treatments vary from physiotherapy to various corset applications.
Contents of the page are for information purposes only, you must consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.