Scoliosis
At Dr. Kunal Mahajan Children’s Hospital, we offer specialized services for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of scoliosis in children. Scoliosis is a medical condition characterized by an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine, often accompanied by rotation. This condition can range from mild to severe and may cause physical discomfort, postural changes, and potential complications if left untreated. Our dedicated team of pediatric orthopedic surgeons, spine specialists, physical therapists, and support staff is committed to providing comprehensive care to children with scoliosis and their families.
Diagnosis: Accurate diagnosis of scoliosis is essential for initiating appropriate treatment and preventing progression of the spinal curvature. Our experienced pediatric orthopedic surgeons perform thorough evaluations to assess children’s spinal alignment, curvature magnitude, flexibility, and any associated symptoms. Diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT) scans, may be performed to confirm the diagnosis, determine the severity of scoliosis, and identify any underlying causes or associated spinal abnormalities.
Classification: Scoliosis is classified based on various factors, including the age of onset, cause, and severity of the spinal curvature. Common types of scoliosis include:
Idiopathic Scoliosis: Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common type and typically occurs in children and adolescents without a known underlying cause. It may be classified as infantile (0-3 years), juvenile (4-10 years), adolescent (11-18 years), or adult (>18 years) based on the age of onset.
Neuromuscular Scoliosis: Neuromuscular scoliosis develops secondary to neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or spinal cord injury, leading to muscle weakness or imbalance that affects spinal alignment.
Congenital Scoliosis: Congenital scoliosis results from abnormal vertebral development during fetal development, leading to spinal curvature and structural abnormalities present at birth.
Treatment: Treatment for scoliosis depends on various factors, including the child’s age, the severity of the spinal curvature, and any associated symptoms or complications. Our hospital offers a range of treatment options for scoliosis, including:
Observation: In cases of mild scoliosis with minimal curvature progression and no associated symptoms, our team may recommend regular observation and monitoring to assess spinal growth and curvature progression over time. Observation may involve periodic clinical evaluations and X-rays to track changes in spinal alignment and determine the need for intervention.
Bracing: Bracing is a non-surgical treatment option for children with moderate scoliosis curvature (typically between 25-40 degrees) who are still growing. Our orthopedic specialists prescribe custom-fitted spinal braces designed to stabilize the spine, prevent further curvature progression, and promote spinal alignment during growth. Bracing may be recommended for a specific duration, typically during periods of rapid skeletal growth, to maximize effectiveness.
Physical Therapy: Physical therapy plays an essential role in scoliosis management by improving muscle strength, flexibility, and postural control to support spinal alignment and function. Our physical therapists design personalized exercise programs that target specific muscle groups, promote core stability, and enhance overall musculoskeletal health. Physical therapy may include stretching exercises, strengthening exercises, postural training, and ergonomic education to improve spinal mechanics and reduce discomfort associated with scoliosis.
Long-Term Management: Our hospital emphasizes long-term management and follow-up care for children with scoliosis to monitor spinal growth, assess treatment outcomes, and address any ongoing needs or concerns. We provide comprehensive postoperative care, rehabilitation services, and support to help children and their families navigate the recovery process and achieve optimal spinal health and function over time.
