Scoliosis

What is Scoliosis?

There are some curvatures in human anatomy when looking at the body from the side. For example, there is an outward curve in the back and an inward curve in the neck and waist. But when viewed from the anteroposterior plane, the spine is straight and there is no curvature. Scoliosis (spine curvature) is the S or C-shape and concomitant rotation of the spine in the anterior and posterior plane. Due to this unusual curvature, shoulder asymmetry, rib hump, trunk displacement, and lumbar arch asymmetry may be observed in patients with scoliosis.

What Are the Causes of Scoliosis?

Scoliosis can have many causes. The type of scoliosis we call congenital is a congenital disorder. Scoliosis may occur as a result of the spine forming abnormally or remaining united while the child is in the womb. Neuromuscular phenomena may be due to muscle diseases or neurological diseases such as cerebral palsy. The most common cause is idiopathic, that is, the cause is unknown. It occurs mostly in adolescence and if not treated early, it causes damage to the heart and respiratory system as well as visual impairment. Genetic and environmental causes are blamed.

What is the Diagnosis of Scoliosis?

The forward bending test is used to diagnose scoliosis. In this test, the suspected child is asked to clasp his hands and hold them between his knees while leaning forward without bending his knees. Meanwhile, the patient is standing right behind him or her and checking whether there is any asymmetry in the spine and back. If there is asymmetry, it is thought to be scoliosis.

What are the Symptoms of Scoliosis?

• Increased hair growth on the back, color changes and dimples
• Balance problems
• Back protrusions when bending forward
• Shoulder alignment not being equal
• Side posture at waist or hips

What is Scoliosis Treatment?

In cases of scoliosis between 0 and 25 degrees, the patient is followed especially during a period when the potential for progression of the disease increases, such as adolescence. Corset treatment can be performed for scoliosis up to 35 degrees. The brace is initially worn 23 hours a day and may need to be used for a long time depending on the age at which scoliosis begins. However, scoliosis only has a 60 percent improvement potential despite bracing.

What is Scoliosis Surgery?

In people with scoliosis, if the spine curve is more than a 40-degree angle, surgical intervention can be performed. Surgical treatment is performed with screws placed in the vertebrae and rods connecting them. As a result of surgery performed on time and with appropriate patient selection, patients’ spines are straightened, they do not experience any aesthetic problems, and they can do all kinds of sports activities that their peers do, except professional sports, and can get married and have children in the future.

What is After Scoliosis Surgery?

Postoperative care for each type of scoliosis is different; after the surgery of the most common idiopathic type, the wound is closed with self-absorbable aesthetic stitches. For pain, patient-controlled pain relief is applied for the first 2 or 3 days. If everything goes normal, you can leave the hospital on the 4th day after surgery. Washing is allowed after a week. Generally, there is no need to use a corset after surgery.

What are the Symptoms of Scoliosis in a Child?

Scoliosis begins at a young age and progresses rapidly depending on physical development. Parents especially have a responsibility in early diagnosis. It is very important for parents to frequently examine the anatomical structure of their children.

• Increased hair growth, color changes and dimples on your child’s back may be signs of scoliosis. If these symptoms occur along with balance problems or if your child’s back protrudes when he leans forward, he may have scoliosis.
• If your child’s shoulder alignment is not equal, if there is a sideways posture at the waist or hips, and if the legs are disproportionately short compared to the body, he may have scoliosis.
• Even skin abnormalities can be a sign of scoliosis.