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What does early-onset scoliosis mean? Our three-year-old granddaughter has just been diagnosed with this condition. How is it treated?
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Scoliosis refers to an abnormal curvature of the spine. When present in young children (five and under), the condition is referred to as early-onset scoliosis.
Early-onset scoliosis can be treated conservatively with bracing or casting. But if it progresses (gets worse), it can become a serious problem in young children. The spine can curve so much that the lungs and heart are compressed causing complications.
When scoliosis is present early like this, the chances of a fast growing curve are much higher than when the curvature develops in the teen years. Treatment may have to progress from bracing to surgery. The surgeon places one or two metal rods alongside the spine to help support it in an upright, neutral alignment.
As the child grows, the rod can be lengthened. This type of treatment prevents removing the rods and replacing them as growth occurs. Instead, with each growth spurt, another surgery is done to expand the rod(s). You can see the advantages of such treatment in cases of early-onset scoliosis. When the child stops growing, then spinal fusion can be done.
In the future, it may be possible to lengthen the rods without doing surgery. The internal rods could have an external remote. The remote could be used to allow for expansion without opening up the spine to adjust the rods by hand. This type of technology could reduce the number of procedures (and complications) until spinal fusion is possible.
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*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic. |
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