And How is it Treated?

Everyone's spine has curves. These curves produce

the normal rounding of the shoulder and the sway

of the lower back.

A spine with scoliosis has abnormal curves with a rotational

deformity. This means that the spine turns on its axis like a

corkscrew.

Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine which may have its onset in

infancy but is most frequently seen in adolescence. It is more

common in females by a 2:1 ratio. However, when curves in excess

of 30 degrees are evaluated, females are more frequently affected

by a ration of approximately 8-10:1.

The cause of the most common form of scoliosis -- idiopathic

scoliosis -- is unknown, but there are certainly hereditary

factors that are present.

Scoliosis causes shoulder, trunk and waistline asymmetry. In mild

forms, the condition may be barely noticed; whereas in severe

forms there is significant disfigurement, back pain and postural

fatigue, and it may be associated with heart failure. Fortunately

the majority of scoliosis cases need only close follow-up to

watch for worsening of the curve. Some cases require more

aggressive treatment which could include surgery (see below).

Orthopedic surgeons are best qualified to evaluate and treat

deforming spinal conditions like scoliosis. However, a good

resource for further information is:

The National Scoliosis Foundation

72 Mt. Auburn St.,

Watertown, Massachusetts 02171

Phone: (617) 926-0397

Non-Operative Treatment

The non-operative treatment of scoliosis involves observing the

deformity with examinations and repeated x-rays. Under certain

circumstances, when spinal growth remains, a brace may be used in

combination with follow-up x-rays. Physical therapy exercises

have not been shown to be effective treatment for scoliosis.

Why Surgery?

Surgical treatment of scoliosis may be indicated for any of the following

reasons:

1. To prevent further progression of the curve.
2. To control the curve when brace treatment has

failed.

3. To improve an undesired cosmetic appearance.

4. For reasons of discomfort or postural fatigue.

Surgical Treatment of Scoliosis

The most common surgical treatment for scoliosis is a

spine fusion using special stainless steel rods, hooks,

and a bone graft. The rods are attached to the spine with hooks

and the curved portion of the spine is carefully straightened.

Then, small strips of bone graft are placed over the spine to

fuse it in a straight position. As the bone graft heals over the

next several months, the spine becomes solid and will not curve

again. But the part of the spine that has not been fused will

still be flexible, and allow nearly normal overall movement.

     These pages and their contents copyright ª1995 and reprinted by 
     Med Help International, Inc. with permission from:

     Southern California Orthopedic Institute 
     6815 Noble Avenue Van Nuys, California (818) 901-6600

For more information send email to moreinfo@scoi.com

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