Scoliosis

Scoliosis & Other Spine Conditions Treated

Scoliosis is a three-dimensional torsion of the spine and trunk in which the spine deviates in in all three planes of spinal motion, and could be best described as "a spiral".

Scoliosis can be congenital (caused by a spinal malformation at birth), idiopathic (unknown cause) and neuromuscular (caused by a condition/ syndrome/ connective tissue hyper-mobility).

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Idiopathic represents approximately 80% of all cases of scoliosis, named based on the age of onset;

infantile, juvenile, adolescent, and adult. 

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A spinal curvature with a Cobb Angle measurement greater than 10 degrees with visible rotation of the vertebrae is considered a scoliosis.  Curvatures below 10 degrees are considered spinal asymmetries.

The main goals/indications for the

treatment of scoliosis include:

• Prevent curve progression throughout growth and adulthood

• Improve/ maintain best possible quality of life

• Improve/ maintain best possible psychological well - being

• Prevent or treat spinal pain syndromes

• Improve/ maintain respiratory function

• Improve aesthetics

The Guidelines for Treatment of Scoliosis  in Children and Teens

The generalised guidelines for treatment of scoliosis in children and teens throughout growth

Treatment is determined based on curve magnitude, probability of curve progression or known curve progression and skeletal and sexual maturity.

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Mild curvatures

        10 - 25 degrees - Exercises & monitoring

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Moderate curvatures

        25 (+/- 5) - 50 degrees - Exercises, full time bracing & monitoring

Significant curvatures

        >50 (+/- 5) degrees - Exercises, sometimes bracing & surgical referral

The Guidelines for Treatment of Scoliosis in Adults