Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is the most common form of spinal curvature and occurs in children aged 10-18. Although we don’t know the exact cause, we know scoliosis develops and can worsen during periods of growth. Curvatures of the spine can be fairly common and can occur in 5-10% of children. Smaller curves are equal amongst boys and girls, however girls are 8-10x more likely to have larger/progressive curves.
“Every child with a spinal curvature, big or small, needs to be treated as a unique individual. ”
— Dr. Illingworth
Treatment
Observation
The majority of spine curvatures require no treatment other than continued observation. Observation can be serial clinic examinations or x-rays to monitor for increase in curve size. The majority of children diagnosed with scoliosis will never need any treatment other than observation. However, routine follow up is critical, especially during periods of growth.
Bracing
Children who’s curves are >20 degrees, and have continued skeletal growth remaining, can be candidates for bracing. Bracing is aimed at preventing the curvature from increasing, and ultimately preventing curve progression to the point of surgery.
Surgery
A small number of kids will have their curves progress to over 50 degrees. Once curves increase to over 50 degrees, they continue to increase over time, even after the child is done growing. Larger curves can be associated with long term health concerns, such as increasing deformity, increased rates of back pain and restrictive lung disease. For these reasons surgery is often recommended to improve the curve and prevent it from getting worse.
