Attention to Scoliosis Symptoms in School Age Children!

From Medical Park Karadeniz Hospital Neurosurgery Clinic, Op. Dr. Mehmet Feryat Demirhan and Op. Dr. Güngör Usta gave information about “adolescent idiopathic scoliosis”.

Drawing attention to adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, Op. Dr. Mehmet Feryat Demirhan shared the following information:

“The most common type of spinal curvature is adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Adolescent is an expression used for the period of adolescence, after childhood, but still continuing to grow. Therefore, the skeletal system is not fully mature in adolescence. This disorder, which is more common in girls and causes more curvature, usually affects 10-year-old children. Idiopathic scoliosis concerns 10-18 percent of children and adolescents aged 2-3 years. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is usually first noticed by parents or patients. These ailments sometimes show up at a school screening and sometimes at a doctor's visit. Most AIS patients do not have many symptoms. However, wider curvatures are manifested by visible distortions such as pain or rib anomalies.

Symptoms of scoliosis vary according to the severity of the curvature. Scoliosis is often noticed due to the change in the posture of the clothes worn by the patient. In children who wear loose clothes, the body shape may not be obvious because it is not obvious. For this reason, it is important for parents with a family history of scoliosis to check their children's back frequently. Scoliosis can also be detected in schools, scoliosis screenings and annual pediatrician examinations.

Speaking about the disease, Op. Dr. Güngör Usta listed in which cases scoliosis should be suspected:

• “If your child has a height difference between their shoulders.
• Leaning to the right and left or having difficulty standing straight.
• If the inequality between the shoulder blades is noticeable when viewed from the back.
• When your child leans forward, one side of his back appears higher than the other.
• If your child's hips, underwear or pants line are asymmetrical.
• If you notice an abnormality in the way your child walks, you may be dealing with scoliosis.
• Consult with experienced specialists for early diagnosis and correct treatment planning.”

Treatment ways

Kiss. Dr. Güngör Usta shared the following information about the diagnosis and treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis:

“Taking a patient's history: Since adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is a genetic disease, the patient's family history is very important during diagnosis.

Physical test: Physical testing includes a complete neurological examination and the use of a special measuring device called a scoliometer. This device is used to measure the asymmetry of the spinal cord when the spinal cord is bent forward.

X-ray: An X-ray of the entire spine should be seen to evaluate the anteroposterior and lateral inclination. The degree of scoliosis is determined by measuring the angle between the most bent vertebrae in these radiographs. Follow-up and treatment of children are planned by measuring the Cobb angle.

Treatment: Many patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis have small curves that do not require serious treatment. For patients with small curves of 10-20 degrees, observation is sufficient.

Corset treatment: For patients with curvature above 25 degrees, the progression of the curvature can be prevented by using a corset. For patients who need a corset, a light weight body corset may be beneficial. The corset, which is made in accordance with the curvature of the patient, can be worn under the clothes. In order for the corset to be effective, it must be used 23 hours a day.

Surgical: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis surgery is generally considered in the patient group where the curvature exceeds 50 degrees.