Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a musculoskeletal condition that primarily affects children and adolescents, characterized by an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine that causes the spinal column to bend to the left or right. Whereas most people's spines appear straight when viewed from directly behind, the spine of someone with scoliosis more closely resembles the letter S or C due to the abnormal curvature. The name is derived from the Greek word skoliosis, which means 'crookedness'.

Scoliosis is actually relatively common compared to other musculoskeletal diseases, affecting approximately 3% of the population. The condition has affected children for thousands of years, and was described in even the earliest medical histories.

What Are the Different Types of Scoliosis?

Abnormal curvature of the spine can occur in children at a wide range of ages and through a variety of causes. Therefore, scoliosis has been categorized into several types, each with its own clinical characteristics. More importantly, orthopedic spine specialists manage or treat each type of scoliosis slightly differently. So, it is important to classify the distinct conditions and understand which type of scoliosis you have.

Early Onset Scoliosis

Early onset scoliosis encompasses a number of rare conditions affecting infants (below the age of 3) and young children (ages 3-9), and includes both idiopathic deformities – meaning the spinal curvature occurs without a known cause, and congenital deformities, which are caused by a specific developmental condition. Subtypes include:

• Congenital Scoliosis
• Infantile Scoliosis
• Juvenile Scoliosis

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS)

By far the most common type of scoliosis, it occurs in adolescence between the ages of 10 and young adulthood, and is referred to as 'idiopathic' because of its lack of a specific known cause. AIS often manifests at the onset of puberty, or may become apparent or worsen during an adolescent's growth spurt.

Neuromuscular Scoliosis

This type of scoliosis is caused by an underlying neurological or muscular disease, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy. The wide variety of underlying causes of neuromuscular scoliosis, the clinical presentation, and the severity of this condition are extremely variable and require highly specialized care.

Innovative Techniques for Treating Scoliosis

Spine surgery is one of the most rapidly evolving fields in pediatric orthopedics. New techniques have revolutionized the post-operative course of patients, curtailing post-operative pain and accelerating a return to normal function. Learn more about some of the innovative diagnostic tools and surgical technology leveraged by our team to provide superior outcomes for pediatric spinal deformity patients.

Advanced Diagnostics

• Low Dose X-Ray – EOS
• DIERS Formetric 4D Diagnostic Equipment

Innovative Surgical Techniques

• Anterior Vertebral Body Tethering (AVBT)
• Growing Rods
  • VEPTR (Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib)
  • MAGEC (MAGnetic Expansion Control)
• Spinal Fusion & Instrumentation

Conservative Care Options

• Mehta Casting
• Scoliosis Bracing
• Schroth Physical Therapy