Scoliosis (Spinal Curvature):
Do you notice a difference in your child's posture?
Have you ever noticed that one of your child's shoulders is lower than the other? Or that their clothes don't fit properly? Sometimes mistaken for just “bad posture” or “hunching,” these situations can actually be the first signs of Scoliosis, a three-dimensional deformity of the spine. When detected early, this condition can be successfully managed, but if neglected, it can lead to serious health problems.
What is Scoliosis?
When we look at a healthy spine from behind, we see a straight line running from the center of the head to the tailbone. In the case of scoliosis, the spine loses this straight line and curves to the right or left. This curvature usually forms a shape resembling the letters “C” or “S” on X-ray images.
However, scoliosis is not just a sideways curvature; it is also accompanied by rotation of the vertebrae. This rotational movement can cause asymmetry in the chest and protrusions in the back (hunchback appearance).
Scoliosis Symptoms: What Should Families Look Out For?
Scoliosis can progress silently and may not cause pain. Therefore, parental observation is vital. When looking at your child from behind, you should look for the following signs:
Shoulder Asymmetry: One shoulder being higher than the other.
Scapular Process: One shoulder blade being more prominent or protruding than the other.
Waist Curve Inequality: The waist curves are not equal on the right and left sides, one hip appears higher than the other.
Body Shift: The child's body leaning to one side.
A Simple Home Test: If your child leans forward without bending their knees and one side of their back remains higher than the other (humpback appearance), this may indicate scoliosis and you should consult a specialist immediately.
Who Gets Scoliosis?
Scoliosis can occur at any age, but it most commonly appears in adolescent girls (aged 10-15). We call this “Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.” The term “idiopathic” means that the cause is not fully understood. Although genetic factors play a significant role, factors such as carrying heavy bags or bed selection do not directly cause scoliosis.
Scoliosis Treatment: Approach Based on Severity
The treatment plan is determined individually based on the patient's age, growth potential, and the degree of curvature (Cobb angle).
1. Observation and Monitoring (Mild Curvatures)
Surgery or a brace is generally not required for curvatures below 20 degrees. However, if the child is still growing, regular X-ray monitoring and doctor check-ups are essential to see if the curvature is progressing.
2. Brace Treatment (Moderate Curvatures)
If the curvature is between 20 and 40 degrees and the child is still growing, brace treatment is applied. Our goal is not to completely correct the curvature, but rather to stop the curvature from worsening until growth is complete. Successful brace treatment can spare the child from surgery.
3. Surgical Treatment (Advanced Curvatures)
When the curvature exceeds 40-45 degrees or progresses rapidly, surgical intervention is required to prevent it from affecting heart and lung capacity.
Thanks to the advanced technologies we use in modern spinal surgery (such as neuromonitoring), scoliosis surgeries have become extremely safe. The spine is corrected and fused using screws and rods.
Our patients get up quickly after surgery.
They can return to their school life and even sports activities (such as swimming and running) without any problems.
Scoliosis is not a disease to be feared, but a process that must be managed. If you have even the slightest concern about your child's posture, seeking expert advice is the most important step you can take for their future quality of life. Remember, the success rate is always much higher when scoliosis is diagnosed early.
