June is Scoliosis Awareness Month

June is Scoliosis Awareness Month.

June is Scoliosis Awareness Month! Wear green

National Scoliosis Awareness Month:

National Scoliosis Awareness Month occurs yearly in June to highlight the growing need for education, early detection, and awareness about scoliosis and its prevalence within the community. The campaign also unites scoliosis patients, families, physicians, clinicians, institutions, and related businesses in collaborative partnerships of local activities, events, and grassroots networking throughout the month.

June is Scoliosis Awareness Month!

Disclaimer: The content is NOT a substitute 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?

Idiopathic Scoliosis:

Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common form. However, 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.

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.

June is scoliosis awareness month — ***4 months old.***

Kyphosis:

Kyphosis is the 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?

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 results from 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, confirmation of a diagnosis for scoliosis 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:

In general, 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 options:

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):

TGR attach below and above the spinal curve.

Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib (VEPTR):

The Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib is a curved metal rod 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 includes implantable rods that allow non-invasive expansions. However, young children with severe or stiff spinal deformities do not benefit from MAGEC rods. Ultimately, surgeons rarely perform conversion operations (removing TGR/VEPTR and exchanging with MAGEC) due to the magnetic growing rods not being strong enough.