Scoliosis—Child
by
Cynthia M. Johnson, MA DefinitionScoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine. The spine has a C- or S-shaped curve on either side of the spine.
CausesIn most people, the cause is not known. Genetics may play a role. In others, the cause may be due to:
Risk FactorsThings that may raise the risk of this problem are:
SymptomsMost people do not have symptoms. Those who do may have:
DiagnosisThe 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. TreatmentTreatment 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:
Children with severe curves may need surgery. Spinal fusion may be done to fuse two vertebrae together. This can straighten the curve. PreventionThere are no known guidelines for preventing this health problem. 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 | |
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