A scoliosis specialist is the best person to evaluate your condition and recommend treatment. Factors to be considered before deciding upon a treatment include the child's age, the curve's location, and the severity of the curve.
Most scoliosis curves will remain small and observation is the only required treatment. If a curve progresses, then an orthopedic brace may be required. The purpose of the brace is to limit the rate of curve progression and to minimize the likelihood of surgery. Bracing will not correct scoliosis, but it can minimize the probability of curve progression. Children undergoing brace treatment are able to continue with a full range of physical and social activities.
A small percentage of children continue to show progression of their scoliosis despite proper non-operative treatment. These children require surgical correction of their scoliosis.
There has been a rapid evolution in the surgical techniques available for correction of spinal deformity over the past decade. The original Harrington rod fixation system has been replaced by more contemporary fixation methods, frequently eliminating the need for post-operative bracing. Recently there have been great advances in minimally invasive endoscopic techniques for treating scoliosis.
Read A Primer for Scoliosis Prepared by New Jersey Spine Center
Read An Interview with Dr. Dorsky About Scoliosis
If you need physical therapy and rehabilitation, please click here to visit www.msipt.com.
