Paediatric Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a type of spinal deformity. An affected spine is curved in the shape of an “S” or “C” and there is rotation of vertebrae that makes it look like the person is leaning to one side. It can occur on either side, and sometimes in different places on both sides.

According to spinal surgeons, there are three different types of scoliosis that can occur in children, (1) Congenital  (2) Neuromuscular (3) Idiopathic

Congenital scoliosis

This kind of scoliosis happens when the foetus is developing in the womb. Some of the reasons that it can occur are:-

• The vertebrae doesn’t form normally
• There is no vertebrae
• The vertebrae is partially formed
• The vertebrae is fused

Neuromuscular scoliosis

This is commonly associated with children who suffer from neurological conditions like:-

• Cerebral palsy
• Spina bifida
• Muscular dystrophy
• Paralytic conditions
• Spinal cord tumors
• Neurofibromatosis

Idiopathic scoliosis

The reason for the development of this kind of scoliosis is not known. There are three types:-

• Infantile (occurs from birth to age 3)
• Juvenile (occurs from 3-10)
• Adolescent (occurs from 10-18)

There are sometimes other causes for scoliosis that could include:-

• Hereditary factors
• Leg length
• Injury
• Infection
• Tumours

Symptoms of pediatric scoliosis

The severity of symptoms will depend on how bad the curvature is. But it usually has these common symptoms.

• Difference in shoulder height
• Head is misaligned
• Misalignment of hip
• Difference in shoulder blade height or position
• Arms hang at different lengths

Treatment for pediatric scoliosis

The treatment for scoliosis will depend on the child’s health, age and medical history. The cause of the condition and the severity will be determined. The usual pattern of treatment will include:-

Monitoring the child’s development – This will help determine wether the spine is continuing to curve as the child grows.

Bracing – If the curve of the spine measures more than 25° to 30°, bracing may be done.

Spinal cord surgery – It would be the last option and may be considered if the spinal curve measures 45° or more, and if bracing doesn’t help.

Kauvery Hospital and its branches in Chennai, Trichy, Hosur, Salem, and Tirunelveli offer comprehensive care and expert treatment of scoliosis . The experienced specialists are equipped to diagnose and manage different types of scoliosis with personalized and state-of-the-art interventions tailored to your child’s needs.

 

Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.

Chennai – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801