Scoliosis causes the spine to curve to the side, resulting in an S-shaped curvature. Most cases of scoliosis occur in girls, with curves worsening during growth spurts, according to Medline Plus. When scoliosis worsens, doctors may recommend a special brace that slows the progression of the curves, reducing the effects of the condition on your child's posture.
Symptoms
If your child has scoliosis, you may notice subtle changes in your her posture. One shoulder may look higher than the other, or her hips may appear uneven. The pelvis may tilt slightly due to the effects of the spinal curvature. Your child may complain of back pain or may seem more tired than usual, especially after sitting or standing for long periods of time.
Types
Infantile scoliosis affects children younger than three and may be present at birth due to improperly formed spinal bones. It can also occur later due to neurological disorders or for unknown reasons. Muscle weakness, paralysis or muscle control problems common in spina bifida, muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy can cause neuromuscular scoliosis. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, the most common type of scoliosis, occurs after age 10, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. The cause of idiopathic scoliosis is unknown.
Diagnosis
Symptoms of scoliosis may be difficult to spot. If you don't notice posture changes, your child may learn that he has the condition after a school scoliosis screening during the middle school years. Your doctor can use a physical examination, spinal X-ray and a scoliometer screening to determine the degree of curvature. A scoliometer is an instrument that measures the angle of the curve.
Bracing
Scoliosis treatment is not always necessary. Your doctor may recommend observation of the condition if your child's curvature is less than 20 degrees. If the curvature worsens or if your child is still growing and has a curvature between 25 and 45 degrees, your doctor may recommend a brace, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. A brace fits around your child's torso and exerts pressure on the spine to prevent further worsening of the curve; it does not, however, straighten the spine.
Surgery
Your doctor may recommend spinal fusion surgery if your child's curvature is more than 45 degrees. During surgery, your child's surgeon straightens the spine and uses metal rods to keep the spine in place until the vertebrae fuse together. The surgeon also places small pieces of bone from your child's hip or from a donor between vertebrae to help stabilize and heal the vertebrae. The National Scoliosis Foundation reports that 38,000 scoliosis patients undergo spinal fusion surgery each year. You may notice an improvement in your child's posture after spinal fusion surgery.
