Scoliosis Surgery

Scoliosis is the condition where the spine is curved sideways, resembling an “S” shape.  It mostly occurs in late childhood stages, during the growth spurts that children experience before puberty.  Most cases of scoliosis are moderate, with no severe symptoms, though advanced cases of scoliosis can be very detrimental.

There are three classifications of spine scoliosis – idiopathic, congenital and neuromuscular.  Idiopathic scoliosis is the type where the causes are unknown.  It is the most common type, as there are no clear indicators of what exactly triggers scoliosis.  Hereditary factors are accepted as the most well known cause because this condition tends to run in the family.  It has also been theorized that the presence of ether in the bloodstream of the father during conception could trigger this condition.  Idiopathic scoliosis is further classified dependent on what stage it occurs, such as infantile, juvenile and adolescent.

Congenital scoliosis is when birth defects cause spinal abnormalities that develop as a person grows.  Any errant vertebrae or the lack of separation between them can possibly lead to scoliosis.  Finally, neuromuscular scoliosis is the type brought on by other health complications of the spine.  Neuromuscular conditions including cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and spinal bifida may act as causes.

In addition to a family history of scoliosis, age and gender are other risk factors to watch out for.  Scoliosis tends to appear during the teenage stages right before puberty, during the natural growth spurt.  And while men and women develop scoliosis at equal rates, it is much more likely to worsen in women.

In most cases, the effects of this spine condition are minor, and do not require intense treatment.  Many people with mild cases of scoliosis can live their lives just fine with few problems, if any at all, and no need for treatment.  Those who exhibit signs of scoliosis will need to be monitored regularly in case it gradually worsens.

It is recommended that children wear braces to stop the condition from getting worse as their body and bones grow.  Although a brace will not reverse the effects of scoliosis, it will keep the spine aligned to prevent the spine from curving any more.  Braces are good because they can be taken on and off when needed, such as to shower or for physical activities.  They are most effective the longer they are kept on.

In advanced cases, scoliosis surgery is most likely the best course of action.  A spinal fusion is the type of surgery done to treat this condition.  A spinal fusion is the procedure that fuses two or more vertebrae together.  It is done to provide more stability and to prevent the vertebrae from twisting and winding.