Scoliosis

Scoliosis can cause the spine to curve in a C- or S-shape. Pediatricians often screen for the condition among children at an annual well check. Most of the time, cases of mild and resolve on their own. However, if your child needs management and treatment, you can take advantage of the experience and expertise at TriHealth Orthopedics & Sports Institute and Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine.

Scoliosis is when the spine curves to one side instead of growing straight. It usually happens just before puberty or a growth spurt. Most cases of scoliosis are mild, but some may get more severe as a child grows. In very severe cases, the condition can be disabling.

Scoliosis causes

The cause of scoliosis is often unknown. In some cases, the condition can be caused by:

• Arthritis
• Congenital (birth) defects to the spine
• Osteoporosis
• Neuromuscular conditions (cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy)
• Spinal degeneration (often runs in the family)
• Spine injury
• Spine infection

Scoliosis symptoms

Scoliosis symptoms most often include:

• Spinal curvature of 10 degrees or more
• One hip higher than the other
• One shoulder blade more prominent than the other
• Uneven shoulders
• Uneven waist

Scoliosis treatment

Scoliosis treatment will depend based on the severity of your spinal curvature. Typically, scoliosis treatment includes:

• Wait and watch – For minor curvatures (usuaslly those less than 20 degrees), a physician will closely monitor the spine’s growth with X-rays and physical exams to see if and how curving continues.
• Bracing – A brace, used to help stop and correct spinal curvature, helps children with curvature of 20-50 degrees.
• Surgery – Severe cases of scoliosis may require surgery. For surgical interventions, TriHealth partners with Beacon Orthopaedics and Mayfield Brain and Spine.

Scoliosis risk factors

Risk factors for developing scoliosis include:

• Age – Scoliosis is most likely to appear during the growth spurt before puberty
• Sex – Girls are more likely to develop more severe cases of scoliosis
• Family history – Scoliosis sometimes runs in families

Scoliosis complications

Severe scoliosis can lead to serious complications, including:

• Differences in appearance, which can lead to image and confidence issues
• Chronic back problems in adulthood
• Lung and heart damage that can make it harder to breathe and the heart to pump

Make an appointment

The team at TriHealth Orthopedics & Sports Institute, Beacon Orthopaedics and Mayfield Brain and Spine have unmatched experience diagnosing, managing and treating scoliosis. Learn more about our experience. Call TriHealth at 513 246 2300 or our orthopedic partner, Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, at 513 354 3700.