Scoliosis

There are many types of scoliosis that affect children. The most common type is called adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, or scoliosis of unknown cause. Girls are more likely than boys to develop this condition, and it typically occurs after 10 years old. Different types of scoliosis, however, can occur in any child and at any age.

Although doctors don’t always know what causes scoliosis in children, we do know it can often be hereditary. When evaluating your child for scoliosis, we will look for underlying conditions that could cause an abnormal curve in the spine.

Early detection is key to treating scoliosis before it progresses. When scoliosis is caught early enough and receives appropriate follow-up, there may be a way to prevent the scoliosis from getting worse over time and the need for later surgical intervention.

Scoliosis is typically first detected by a physical exam screening, which may be performed at pediatrician visits or at school. If your child has had a positive scoliosis screening, they should next be evaluated by a pediatric orthopedic specialist to determine if they do have scoliosis and if anything can or should be done to treat it. Visiting this specialist may include:

• Detailed medical family history — This includes reviewing past medical records to look for problems that might be causing the spine to curve, such as a congenital abnormality, trauma or other disorders.
• Physical exam — Your child’s pediatric orthopedic specialist performs a full physical examination. This includes evaluating any asymmetry about the back and shoulders in a standing or bent forward position, as well as other detailed examinations to show there is no evidence of neurological or other abnormalities.
• X-ray — This can confirm a scoliosis diagnosis by measuring the curve of the spine on the X-ray image. A specialist can review the X-ray to see if there is, in fact scoliosis, and assess the severity.

If scoliosis is confirmed, your pediatric orthopedic specialist will help you understand what preventive measures and treatment options are best suited for your child.

Many children have very mild spinal curves that don't require treatment. When treatment is necessary, we consider many factors to formulate a treatment plan specific to your child. Some of these factors include:

• Age of your child
• How much more your child is likely to grow
• The degree and pattern of the curve of their spine

Your doctor may recommend one of the following:

• Observation — If the spinal curve is mild, we may recommend monitoring the spine's progress every few months without any treatment while your child is still growing.
• Bracing — For a moderate spinal curve, your doctor may recommend a brace to help prevent the curve from worsening. If bracing begins early enough, it may be able to successfully prevent the need for surgery later on.
• Surgery — If your child's scoliosis is severe enough to require surgical correction, our pediatric orthopedic specialists in our Pediatric Scoliosis Program are specially trained to perform these procedures and provide the best possible outcomes for your child. Depending on the situation, we may also collaborate with neurosurgeons, anesthesiologists, physiatrists and other specially trained professionals to care for your child, teen or young adult.

For more information about our scoliosis treatment options, please call (912) 350-7337.

Our pediatric orthopedic surgeons use leading-edge techniques, including neuromonitoring and instrument navigation, to create the safest possible procedures.

If surgery is needed, our experienced medical professionals will work together to provide the best results possible. Your pediatric team includes:

• Anesthesiologists
• Child life specialists
• Nurses
• Occupational therapists
• Physical therapists
• Spine surgeons

For more information about what to expect before, during and after pediatric surgery, visit our pediatric surgery page.