Scoliosis—Child
Definition
Scoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine. The spine has a C- or S-shaped curve on either side of the spine.
ScoliosisCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. |
Causes TOP
In most people, the cause is not known. Genetics may play a role.
In others, the cause may be due to:
- Problems with the nervous system, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy
- Inherited problems that run in families
- Differing leg lengths
- Injury
- Infection
- Tumors
Risk Factors TOP
Things that may raise the risk of this problem are:
- Problems with the nervous system, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy
- Rapid growth during puberty
- Having other family members with this problem
Symptoms TOP
Most people do not have symptoms. Those who do may have:
- Changes in posture
- Uneven shoulders
- One shoulder blade or rib cage that sticks out more than the other
- Uneven hips
- Back pain
- Problems breathing (rare)
Diagnosis TOP
The diagnosis may be made during a routine physical. Or, it may be made after a school screening program has referred your child to the doctor.
The doctor will ask about your child's symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. It will focus on the spine.
Images of the spine may be taken. This can be done with x-rays.
Treatment TOP
Treatment depends on your child's age, stage of growth, and the severity of the curve. Children with a mild curve may not need treatment. They may be monitored for any changes.
The goal of treatment for others is to prevent scoliosis from worsening. Options are:
- Physical therapy to promote strength, flexibility, and range of motion
- Bracing or casting to prevent the curve from getting worse
Children with severe curves may need surgery. Spinal fusion may be done to fuse two vertebrae together. This can straighten the curve.
RESOURCES:
Ortho Info—American Academy
of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://www.orthoinfo.org
Scoliosis Research Society
http://www.srs.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Caring for Kids—Canadian Paediatric Society
http://www.caringforkids.cps.ca
Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca
REFERENCES:
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/adolescent-idiopathic-scoliosis. Accessed February 17, 2021.
Congenital scoliosis and kyphosis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/congenital-scoliosis-and-kyphosis. Accessed February 17, 2021.
Idiopathic scoliosis in children and adolescents. Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed February 17, 2021.
Infantile and juvenile idiopathic scoliosis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/infantile-and-juvenile-idiopathic-scoliosis. Accessed February 17, 2021.
Negrini S, De Mauroy JC, et al. Actual evidence in the medical approach to adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2014 Feb;50(1):87-92.
Scoliosis in children and teens. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niams.nih.gov/ko/node/2405. Accessed February 17, 2021.
Last reviewed December 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board
Laura Lei-Rivera, PT, DPT
Last Updated: 2/17/2021