Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of
the spine which may have its onset in infancy but is most
frequently seen in adolescence. The curvature of the spine
develops as a single curve or as two curves. X-ray of spine for
a patient with scoliosis looks like ‘S’ or ‘C’
Symptoms
Symptom of scoliosis may include the following abnormalities in
appearance
- Shoulders at different heights
- Uneven waistline
- Appearance of a raised hip
- Leaning of the entire body to one side
- Rib cage appears at different heights
- Head is not centered directly above the
pelvis
Diagnosis
- X-rays determine the degree of
curvature
- The physical examination; The standard
test for scoliosis is termed the Adam's Forward Bend Test
Treatment
Non surgical treatment
In early stages brace can be used to prevent it from
getting worse
Surgical treatment
If scoliotic curve is severed when it is noticed than
brace does not control the curve than surgery is
required. The most common surgical treatment for
scoliosis is a spine fusion using special stainless
steel rods, hooks, and a bone graft. The rods are
attached to the spine with hooks and the curved portion
of the spine is carefully straightened. Then bone graft
is placed over the spine to fuse it in a straight
position.