Scoliosis is a spinal curvature that can range from mild to severe, with severe cases causing lung and heart damage. It can be caused by hereditary factors, arthritis, birth defects, neuromuscular conditions, and leg length discrepancy. Treatment options include physical therapy, bracing, surgery, and a device called a vertical expandable titanium prosthetic rib. Early detection is important for prevention of surgery.
Scoliosis is defined as a curvature of the spine. There are different types of scoliosis ranging from mild to extremely severe. The different types of scoliosis are determined based on the amount of degrees the spine curves. Mild scoliosis means that the spine curves less than 20 degrees. Moderate scoliosis causes the spine to curve between 25 and 70 degrees, and severe scoliosis is the term for curvatures that exceed 70 degrees. Mild scoliosis can cause back problems, but severe scoliosis can cause more serious complications such as lung and heart damage.
In severe cases, scoliosis can have a devastating effect on quality of life and life expectancy. Other common problems in individuals who have scoliosis include height loss, disc degeneration, low back pain, and spinal fusion disease.
Doctors aren’t yet sure of the causes of scoliosis, but hereditary factors could be involved. More severe cases of scoliosis can be caused by arthritis in the spine, birth defects, neuromuscular conditions, and having one leg longer than the other.
Many severe cases of scoliosis will be visible to the naked eye. Cases that are not visible can be detected through imaging tests such as CT scans, MRI scans, or bone scans. A DNA test can be used to predict a person’s scoliosis risk and detect whether a child has scoliosis that is likely to progress in severity.
Scoliosis is also linked to osteopenia, which is a condition that causes bone loss. For this reason, it’s not uncommon for health experts to recommend a bone mineral density test for patients diagnosed with scoliosis. When osteopenia is not treated properly, osteoporosis can occur later in life.
Common treatments for scoliosis include physical therapy, bracing, and surgery. Surgery is performed in rare cases of severe scoliosis. Another method used to treat childhood scoliosis is a device called a vertical expandable titanium prosthetic rib. The procedure involves inserting titanium rods into a child’s rib cage so that scoliosis doesn’t restrict growth or breathing.
There is no cure for severe scoliosis, but it can be managed and treated. It is extremely important that scoliosis is detected early. Early diagnosis allows for monitoring and could be critical in the prevention of surgery.
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