Early Onset Scoliosis
Early onset scoliosis is the development of a spinal curvature that presents before the age of 10. There are many potential causes of early onset scoliosis, including congenital, neuromuscular and idiopathic (we don’t know why). Regardless of the cause the main goal is the same, monitor/prevent curve increase while maintaining spinal growth. Spinal growth in the thoracic spine is critical for development of young lungs and maintenance of lung term pulmonary health.
“Monitoring early onset scoliosis is especially critical as spinal curvatures can impact normal lung develop in the young child”
— Dr. Illingworth
Treatment
Observation
Observation can be serial clinic examinations or x-rays to monitor for increase in curve size. Routine follow up is critical for patients with early onset scoliosis given the growth potential of the spine and importance of early intervention when needed.
Bracing/Serial Casting
Kids with progressive early onset scoliosis are candidates for bracing and/or serial casting. For young kids, serial casting may be the best option to help improve curve size, but more importantly help prevent rapid curve progression.
Growing Instrumentation
Young patients, who have large curves, sometimes require early intervention in order to improve the curve size, prevent it from getting worse, and allow for continued spinal growth to optimize lung development. Magnetically controlled growing rods allow these rods to be lengthened in the clinic with a magnet and avoids repeat surgeries.
