Scoliosis Awareness
June is Scoliosis Awareness Month!
Wear green during the month of June for Scoliosis Awareness Month!
Disclaimer: The content is NOT intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is an abnormal side to side “S”- or “C”-shaped curvature of the spine.
What are the Types of Scoliosis?
Congenital Scoliosis:
Congenital scoliosis means you were born with a sideways curvature of the spine that can be twisted or rotated. Additional abnormalities include fused or missing ribs, kyphosis, lordosis, and more.
Idiopathic Scoliosis:
Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common form and the exact cause is unknown. The vast majority of cases occur after ten years old.
Neuromuscular Scoliosis:
Neuromuscular scoliosis is the result of a medical condition that affects the muscles and nerves.
Kyphosis:
Kyphosis is an abnormal forward curve in the upper spine.
Lordosis:
Lordosis is the extensive inward curvature of the spine.
What are the Most Common Symptoms of Scoliosis?
Scoliosis Awareness — Early Detection is the Key!
- The head, shoulders, and hips are tilted and not centered with the rest of the body.
- As the Cobb angle increases, the body compensates by leaning to one side.
- Difficulty breathing is the result of limited lung expansion due to increased pressure from protruding ribs and scoliosis progression.
- The arms are at unequal heights when hanging next to the body.
- Additionally, as the child bends forward, the height of the sides of the back is unequal.
How is Scoliosis Diagnosed?
According to the Scottish Rite for Children, a diagnosis for scoliosis is confirmed by taking an x-ray. The most compelling evidence is a Cobb angle (degree of curvature) > ten degrees.
What Treatment Options are Available for Scoliosis?
Non-Surgical Treatment:
Bracing:
Generally speaking, braces are successful in children with curvatures between 25 – 40 degrees. Ultimately, surgical correction is necessary once the Cobb angle EXCEEDS 40 degrees.
Casting:
Casting works similar to a brace to control scoliosis, but it cannot be removed.
Surgical Treatment:
Halo-Gravity — Traction (HGT):
HGT is a gentle method to straighten severely compressed or curved spines throughout three to eight weeks. Additionally, a lightweight crown is attached to the skull and clipped to the pulley. In summary, adding daily weight to the traction results in naturally stretching the spine with gravity.
Traditional Growing Rods (TGR):
Traditional rods attach below and above the spinal curve.
Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib (VEPTR):
The Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib is a curved metal rod that is surgically attached to a child’s rib, spine or pelvis using hooks on both ends. VEPTR’s separate the rib and straighten the spine, allowing their lungs to grow with the child.
MAGnetic Expansion Control System (MAGEC):
The MAGnetic Expansion Control System include implantable rods that allow non-invasive expansions. However, MAGEC rods are not recommended for young children with severe or stiff spinal deformities. Ultimately, surgeons rarely perform conversion operations (removing TGR/VEPTR and exchanging with MAGEC) due to the magnetic growing rods not being strong enough.
How YOU Can Help Tenleigh’s Troops!
- Wear green and tag @Tenleigh’s Troops on Facebook!
- Always use #hashtags!
- #scoliosisstrong #bentbutbroken #scoliosisawareness #igotyourBACK #tenleighstroops #herfightisourfight #supportscoliosis #titaniumtough
- Ask us how YOU can get one of Tenleigh’s Troops shirts!
- Educate yourself and others on scoliosis.
- EMBRACE each other’s differences and SUPPORT the change!
- ADVOCATE for Scoliosis Awareness!
- Get the COMMUNITY involved and set an example for inclusion!
- Most importantly, SHARE on SOCIAL MEDIA!
ADVOCATE, EDUCATE, EMBRACE, SUPPORT, AND LOVE!
HER FIGHT IS OUR FIGHT!
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Author Recent Posts Follow meHaylsCreator & Blogger at Tenleigh’s TroopsHaylee is the creator of Tenleigh’s Troops to raise awareness for spondylocostal dysostosis and encouraging parental advocacy. Haylee work history includes… Continue reading Scoliosis Awareness
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