Scoliosis

What is scoliosis?

Illustration of a normal spinal column
Click Image to Enlarge

A normal spine, when viewed from behind, appears straight. However, a spine affected by scoliosis shows evidence of a lateral, or sideways, curvature, and a rotation of the back bones (vertebrae), giving the appearance that the person is leaning to one side. The Scoliosis Research Society defines scoliosis as a curvature of the spine measuring 10 degrees or greater on x-ray.

Scoliosis is a type of spinal deformity and should not be confused with poor posture.

Four common types of curve patterns seen in scoliosis are:

  • thoracic - 90 percent of the curves occur on the right side.
  • lumbar - 70 percent of the curves occur on the left side.
  • thoracolumbar - 80 percent of the curves occur on the right side.
  • double major - curves that occur on the right and left side.

What causes scoliosis?

Illustration demonstrating thoracic and lumbar scoliosis
Click Image to Enlarge

In most (80 to 85 percent) cases, the cause of scoliosis is unknown - a condition called idiopathic scoliosis. Scoliosis is more common in females than males.

According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, three to five out of every 1,000 children develop spinal curves that are considered large enough to require treatment.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, in cooperation with the Scoliosis Research Society, describe three different types of scoliosis that can occur in children - congenital (present at birth), neuromuscular, or idiopathic.

  • Congenital
    This type of scoliosis occurs during fetal development. It is often caused by one of the following:
    • failure of the vertebrae to form normally
    • absence of vertebrae
    • partially formed vertebrae
    • lack of separation of the vertebrae
  • Neuromuscular
    This type of scoliosis is associated with many neurological conditions, especially in those children who do not walk, such as the following:
    • cerebral palsy
    • spina bifida
    • muscular dystrophy
    • paralytic conditions
    • spinal cord tumors
    • neurofibromatosis - a genetic condition that affects the peripheral nerves that causes changes to occur in the skin, called café-au-lait spots.
  • Idiopathic
    The cause of this type of scoliosis is unknown. There are three types of idiopathic scoliosis:
    • infantile - occurs from birth to 3 years of age. The curve of the vertebrae is to the left and it is more commonly seen in boys. Typically, the curve resolves as the child grows.
    • juvenile - occurs in children from 3 to 9 years of age.
    • adolescent - occurs in children from 10 to 18 years of age. This is the most common type of scoliosis and is more commonly seen in girls.

Other causes of scoliosis may include:

  • hereditary conditions that tend to run in families
  • differences in leg lengths
  • injury
  • infection
  • tumors

What are the symptoms of scoliosis?

The following are the most common symptoms of scoliosis. However, each adolescent may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

  • difference in shoulder height
  • the head is not centered with the rest of the body
  • difference in hip height or position
  • difference in shoulder blade height or position
  • when standing straight, difference in the way the arms hang beside the body
  • when bending forward, the sides of the back appear different in height

Back pain, leg pain, and changes in bowel and bladder habits are not commonly associated with idiopathic scoliosis. A adolescent experiencing these types of symptoms requires further medical evaluation by a physician.

The symptoms of scoliosis may resemble other spinal conditions or deformities, or may be a result of an injury or infection. Always consult your adolescent's physician for a diagnosis.

How is scoliosis diagnosed?

The physician makes the diagnosis of scoliosis with a complete medical history of the adolescent, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. The physician obtains a complete prenatal and birth history of the adolescent and asks if other family members are known to have scoliosis. The physician will also ask about developmental milestones since some types of scoliosis can be associated with other neuromuscular disorders. Developmental delays may require further medical evaluation.

In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, x-rays (a diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film) are the primary diagnostic tool for scoliosis. In establishing a diagnosis of scoliosis, the physician measures the degree of spinal curvature on the x-ray.

The following other diagnostic procedures may be performed for nonidiopathic curvatures, atypical curve patterns, or congenital scoliosis:

  • magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body.
  • computed tomography scan (Also called a CT or CAT scan.) - a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general x-rays.

Early detection of scoliosis is most important for successful treatment. Pediatricians or family physicians, and even some school programs, routinely look for signs that scoliosis may be present.

Treatment of scoliosis:

Specific treatment of scoliosis will be determined by your adolescent's physician based on:

  • your adolescent's age, overall health, and medical history
  • the extent of the condition
  • your adolescent's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
  • expectations for the course of the condition
  • your opinion or preference

The goal of treatment is to stop the progression of the curve and prevent deformity. Treatment may include:

  • observation and repeated examinations
    Observation and repeated examinations may be necessary to determine if the spine is continuing to curve. Progression of the curve depends upon the amount of skeletal growth, or the skeletal maturity of the child. Curve progression slows down or stops after the child reaches puberty.
  • bracing
    Bracing may be used when the curve measures between 25 to 40 degrees on an x-ray, but skeletal growth remains. The type of brace and the amount of time spent in the brace will depend on your child's condition.
  • surgery
    Surgery may be recommended when the curve measures 50 degrees or more on an x-ray and bracing is not successful in slowing down the progression of the curve.

According to the Scoliosis Research Society, there is no scientific evidence to show that other methods for treating scoliosis (i.e., manipulation, electrical stimulation, and corrective exercise) prevent the progression of the disease.

Long-term outlook for an adolescent with scoliosis:

The management of scoliosis is individualized for each adolescent depending on his/her age, amount of curvature, and amount of time remaining for skeletal growth. Scoliosis will require frequent examinations by your adolescent's physician to monitor the curve as your adolescent grows and develops. Early detection is important. If left untreated, scoliosis can cause problems with heart and lung function.

Click here to view the
Online Resources of Adolescent Medicine