Scoliosis is a abnormal curvature of the spine primarily affecting children. According to the National Institutes of Health, children of all ages can get scoliosis but the majority of cases are present in those aged 10 to 16. Scoliosis may or may not be accompanied by other serious health conditions. Treatment is available for children with scoliosis ,and individual treatments vary based on the child's age, medical history and the severity of the curvature.
Observation
Observation is the most common treatment in cases where the curvature is not significant. According to the National Institutes of Health, observation is typically recommended in patients who have a curvature of less than 25 degrees and are still growing. During the observation period, the patient is reevaluated every four to six months to determine the pace at which the curvature is progressing. If the curve advances beyond 25 degrees, additional treatment is necessary.
Bracing
Bracing is used to treat moderate cases of scoliosis. While it won't correct the curve, it can help to impede its progression. According to the Mayo Clinic, patients may be fitted for a low-profile brace for curvatures of the mid- to lower section of the spine. More severe curvatures may be corrected using a full-torso Milwaukee brace. Braces are worn day and night, and the number of hours they are worn each day determines their effectiveness. The use of braces is typically discontinued once the child's bones stop growing.
Casting
Casting is an alternative to bracing that is typically used in younger children. According to the Scoliosis Research Society, a cast is essentially a full-time non-removable brace that is reserved for treating young children with curvatures of 30 degrees or more. Casting is a less frequently used form of treatment since the cast is more cumbersome and must be changed every three months.
Surgery
Surgery is generally considered in the most severe cases. Depending on the degree and type of curvature, surgeons may choose spinal fusion, hemi-epiphysiodesis, hemivertebra resection or the implantation of growing rods. According to the North American Spine Society, spinal fusion is the most common option, particularly for older adolescent children. The spinal fusion process involves the fusion of the vertebra with bone from the front or back of the spine. A system of rods, wires, screws or hooks are also implanted that hold the spine in place as it heals.
Additional Treatments
There are several other options which may also be used to treat childhood scoliosis. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), scoliosis may also be treated through chiropractic manipulation, electrical stimulation, nutritional supplementation or exercise. The NIH cautions that there is no scientific evidence to suggest that these methods can prevent the progression of spinal curvature.
