Scoliosis Pediatric

Scoliosis Pediatric is a curvature of the spine which is quite rare and has no known cause in most cases. It is most often found in children and adolescents ages 10 through 14. The condition can be congenital or may be the result of neuromuscular conditions such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy. Only about 10 per cent of scoliosis children require any form of treatment such as having to wear a brace or receive surgery. The result of this condition is a deformed body which makes breathing difficult and complicates normal heart function.

Assessment

Scoliosis Pediatric can be assessed by examining the shape of the back and the trunk of the body. As the affliction progresses, there is usually a difference of the height of the shoulders. The contours of the back and waistline will also become asymmetric. In order to be tested, children will often have to bend forward. The examiner will then check to see if there is a prominence in the ribs. If so, the child will be asked to go for X-rays. Scoliosis children must be checked to see how much curvature there is in order for a decision to be made on how to correct the problem. Also, the age of the child’s skeletal structure must be examined.

Treatment

The two most common treatments for scoliosis pediatric are surgery and wearing a brace. Chiropractic may be used for minor curvatures of the spine, although there is little evidence that it will do much good. Scoliosis children will be required to get X-rays regularly in order to track the progress of their treatment. Braces can help prevent the spine from curving further, while surgery is the only known method for correcting scoliosis. It is usually only performed if the child has a curve greater than 40 degrees.

Surgery

Any type of surgery involves risk, scoliosis pediatric is no exception. The risk of not getting the surgery is usually great though, and it is always recommended for severe curvature of the spine. Scoliosis children who have had surgery are generally expected to recover three to four weeks after the surgery. Physical activity and participation in sports should be avoided six to 12 months after having surgery. Children should begin walking right away for exercise and to build up strength. The child will be required to wear a brace until healing progresses. Regular X-rays to determine the healing progress will be required.