Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a condition where the spine or back bone is curved sideways instead of appearing in a straight line. It can occur in all ages, but commonly occurs in children before puberty, during their growth spurt.

Causes

Most often the cause of scoliosis is unknown and is termed idiopathic scoliosis. Scoliosis can be categorized into two groups:

  • Non-structural scoliosis: This type of scoliosis presents as a structurally normal spine with a temporary or changing curve. Causes include:
    • Differences in leg lengths
    • Muscle spasms
    • Inflammatory conditions such as appendicitis
  • Structural scoliosis: This type of scoliosis presents with a fixed curve in the spine. Causes include:
    • Birth defects
    • Injury to the spine
    • Infections
    • Neuromuscular diseases such as cerebral palsy, polio and muscular dystrophy
    • Tumours
    • Connective tissue disorders
    • Rheumatic diseases

Diagnosis

Scoliosis is diagnosed by reviewing your child’s medical and family history, and performing a thorough physical examination. X-rays further aid in confirming the diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment of scoliosis is based on the cause, age of the patient, and how much your child has to grow. Treatment options include:

  • Observation: Your child’s physician may follow-up every few months to monitor the curve if the scoliosis is mild.
  • Bracing: Your child’s physician may recommend wearing a brace to prevent the curve from worsening if your child is still growing.

Surgery: If your child is still growing, the curve is over 40° or is worsening, surgery may be recommended. The most common surgical procedure for scoliosis is correction, stabilization and fusion of the curve.

  • Ashford and St Peter’s Hospital

    NHS

    Ashford and St Peter’s
    Hospital
    NHS Foundation Trust
    Guildford Road, Cherstey,
    Surrey, KY16 0PZ.
    Ph: 01932 722 730
  • The BMI Runnymede Hospital

    Private

    The BMI
    Runnymede Hospital
    Guildford Road,
    Ottershaw, CHERTSEY,
    KT16 0RQ.
    Ph: 01932 877800
  • Spire St Anthony’s Hospital

    Private

    Spire St Anthony’s
    Hospital
    801 London Road,
    NORTH CHEAM,
    SM3 9DW.
    Ph: 020 8337 6691
  • Nuffield Health Woking Hospital

    Private

    Nuffield Health
    Woking Hospital
    Shores Road,
    WOKING,
    GU21 4BY.
    Ph: 01483 331257
  • Ramsay Health Ashtead Hospital

    Private

    Ramsay Health
    Ashtead Hospital
    The Warren,
    Ashtead, Surrey.
    KT21 2SB.
    Ph: 01372 221400