Although the exact cause of scoliosis (curvature of the spine) remains unclear, the leading theory points to genetics. Scoliosis is observed to be ten times more common in young women than in men. Noting that the condition is especially frequent among adolescent girls, Liv Hospital Istanbul Spinal Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Cagatay Ozturk stated, "At first, scoliosis mainly raises aesthetic concerns, but it may put pressure on the lungs and intestines in advanced stages. For this reason, early diagnosis is extremely important to allow for timely intervention. Prof. Dr. Cagatay Ozturk provided insights and answered questions regarding scoliosis.
Scoliosis is also seen in people with orthodontic problems;
For scoliosis to become noticeable, the curvature of the spine usually needs to surpass a certain angle. Otherwise, it is often hard to detect. In the lower back, scoliosis might go unrecognized until the curve reaches 30 to 35 degrees. If a child is overweight, scoliosis may not be discovered until it has advanced to the point of needing surgery. Conversely, in a lean child with scoliosis located on the back, the condition can often be identified earlier. In addition, scoliosis tends to occur more often in individuals who have orthodontic issues.
Scoliosis Can Progress Despite The Bracing
When scoliosis is detected at up to 25 degrees, patients are monitored more frequently during adolescence, the period when the risk of progression is greatest. Bracing (corset) treatment is applied in cases where the curve measures up to 35 degrees. In the beginning, the brace is worn for 23 hours daily, and depending on when scoliosis first appears, longer bracing may be needed. Even with this method, scoliosis still has a 60% chance of progressing despite continuous use of a brace.
Scoliosis Is Not A Chronic Disease
With today's treatment options, scoliosis is no longer considered a chronic condition. Surgical intervention is available for patients whose spinal curve exceeds 40 degrees. With a prompt diagnosis and careful patient selection, surgery can help achieve a straight spine without cosmetic issues. After surgery, patients can participate in all kinds of sports (except at a professional level) alongside their peers and can look forward to having children in the future.
* Liv Hospital Editorial Board has contributed to the publication of this content .
* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .