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Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)
An International Organization Dedicated to the Education, Research and Treatment of Spinal Deformity
Our Mission is to Foster Optimal Care for All Patients with Spinal Deformities
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Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)
An International Organization Dedicated to the Education, Research and Treatment of Spinal Deformity
Our Mission is to Foster Optimal Care for All Patients with Spinal Deformities
|
Since scoliosis gets larger during rapid growth, the potential for growth is evaluated taking into consideration the patient's age, the status of whether females have had their first menstrual period, as well as radiographic parameters. In general, girls grow until 14 years of age, while boys grow until 16 years of age. Girls grow very rapidly until their first menstrual period, and then their growth generally slows down, but they continue to grow until 18 months to 2 years after their first menstrual period. Radiographs of the spine and pelvis are also used to determine growth. The Risser grading system (Figure 1) is often used to determine a child's skeletal maturity (how much growth is left) on the pelvis, which correlates with how much spine growth is left. The Risser grading system rates a child's' skeletal maturity on a scale of 0 to 5. Patients who are Risser 0 and 1 are growing rapidly, while patients who are 4 and 5 have stopped growing. Generally patients who are being treated in a scoliosis clinic will have their height measured at each visit to help determine growth potential.
Large curves are also more likely to progress or worsen. Curves greater than 45º in patients who are growing, or curves greater than 50º in patients who are done growing will continue to slowly progress over time. This is a general rule and there are exceptions based on multiple factors which your physician will determine.
Observation
Observation is generally for patients whose curves are less than 25º who are still growing, or for curves less than 50º in patients who have completed their growth.
Alternative Treatment
Alternative treatments to prevent curve progression or prevent further curve progression such as chiropractic medicine, physical therapy, yoga, etc. have not demonstrated any scientific value in the treatment of scoliosis. However, these and other methods can be utilized if they provide some physical benefit to the patient such as core strengthening, symptom relief, etc. These should not, however, be utilized to formally treat the curvature in hopes of improving the scoliosis.
Bracing
Bracing is for patients with curves that measure between 25º and 40º during their growth phase. The goal of the brace is to prevent the curve from getting bigger. This is accomplished by correcting the curve while the patient is in the brace so that the curve does not progress with time. Once the brace is discontinued, the best one hopes for is to not have any curve progression, and to remain at the curve magnitude present when the brace was started. For example, a young girl who is 11 years of age who is a Risser 0, with a curve measuring 30º, will be prescribed the brace and will wear the brace until growth of the spine has stopped (Risser 4 or 5, two years after the menstrual period). For that particular patient the best he/she can hope for is to prevent progression and end treatment with a 30 degree curve. Even if slight curve progression occurs despite wearing the brace, surgical treatment is not necessary as long as the curve remains below 45 degrees at the end of growth. There are several types of braces available but all of them work in the same fashion. All braces are worn under the clothes and cannot be seen by others.
Surgical Treatment
Surgical treatment is used for patients whose curves are greater than 45º while still growing or greater than 50 º when growth has stopped. The goal of surgical treatment is two-fold: First, to prevent curve progression and secondly to obtain some curve correction. Surgical treatment today utilizes metal implants which are attached to the spine, and then connected to a single rod or two rods. Implants are used to correct the spine and hold the spine in the corrected position until the spine segments which have been operated on are fused as one bone. The surgery can be performed from the back of the spine (posterior approach) (Figure 2) through a straight incision along the midline of the back or through the front of the spine (anterior approach) (Figure 3). Although there are advantages and disadvantages to both approaches, the posterior approach is utilized most often in the treatment of AIS and can be utilized for all curve types. The anterior approach is an option when a single thoracic curve or a single lumbar curve is being treated. Many factors go into the decision as to the surgical approach and your doctor will review the options and choose the best approach for you.
Following surgical treatment, no external bracing or casts are used. The hospital stay is generally between 5 and 7 days. The patient can perform regular daily activities and generally returns to school in 3-4 weeks. Depending on the activities of the patient, full participation is allowed between 3 and 6 months after surgery.
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| Figure 2: Posterior approach. |
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| Figure 3: Anterior approach. |