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Suggest Treatment For Scoliosis In A Child

Posted on Mon, 3 Apr 2017

Question: My son was just diagnosed with scoliosis. Evidently his angle of curvature is pretty severe and the Dr recommends surgery. He is 13 and is concerned about how that may effect his growth. He plays baseball and rides dirt bikes and the scoliosis hasn't seem to affect his ability to live an active life. I'm wondering if we should wait to have surgery until he has problems and grown more or is it best to go ahead and have the surgery now and will it adversely affect his growth. Also, are there any other treatments we should pursue first. His orthopedist says he is beyond the angle that a brace will help.

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Following rules for surgery in children scoliosis

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I am sorry for the health problems your son is facing.

I am also happy to know that scoliosis is not affecting his ability to ride or to run daily activities.

Usually, surgery treatment is recommended depending on the severity of the scoliosis, if it is progressing and if child stopped growing.

In children with same age as your child, who are still under development, surgery consists of inserting special rods along spine cord.

In this way, the curve will stop getting worse until growing process is at the end.

Regular follow ups with orthopedic surgeon are required following the surgery.

All the best.
Dr.Albana

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar