Scoliosis may strike gradually

Scoliosis, a curving of the spine, may increase so gradually that parents may not even notice. 

Scoliosis, a curving of the spine, may increase so gradually that parents may not even notice.

Pete Stasikelis, an orthopedic surgeon at Shriners Hospitals for Children — Greenville, said it is not uncommon for him to see curves of 65 – 75 degrees that have gone unnoticed. And no, that doesn't mean parents are neglectful or out of touch.

"Most people aren't looking at their kids' backs," Stasikelis said. "It's common for families not to notice until it's bad."

Stasikelis said the term scoliosis is quite broad and may have many causes. Some strike very early in life. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis may not appear until children begin rapid growth. According to Stasikelis, it would rarely be found before about age 10. When the curvature is noticed, Stasikelis said patients need an evaluation to make sure there aren't other conditions causing the scoliosis.

"Growth is like the gasoline that fuels the fire of progression," Stasikelis said. "As soon as you notice it, I would like to treat it."

A child's pediatrician can screen for scoliosis or parents can bring their children to one of Shriners Hospital's free screening events.

If scoliosis is diagnosed and other problems are ruled out, a treatment plan, if one is needed, should be made.

"Scoliosis is definitely in the bone," Stasikelis said. "A lot of people have a misconception that it's the discs or they can stretch a certain way (to correct it)."

Treatment may not be needed at all. For some patients, bracing may be indicated. For others, surgery may be required.

"The vast majority won't need surgery," Stasikelis said. "Bracing has been shown to be effective in preventing curve progression, if you can get the kids to buy into it. (Curvatures of) less than 45 – 50 degrees don't need surgery unless they are very young with lots of growth left. If they are religious about wearing the brace, maybe 25 percent would need surgery. We would like to push the surgery back as late as possible."

For those patients who does require surgery to correct the curve, Stasikelis said the results are generally very good.

"Something like 97 percent of people are happy with their surgery," he said. "It's a highly successful surgery."

Stasikelis said even if patients do need surgery, life can still be active and full.

"Whether they need surgery or not, they can be active – play sports, work on a farm," he said. "It's not going to severely impact your life."

Free screening

Are you worried your child may be dealing with an orthopedic condition, including cerebral palsy, spina bifida, scoliosis, club feet, genetic disorders or sports injuries?

A free orthopedic screening will be held at Shriners Hospital — Greenville 9 a.m. – noon May 3. No appointment is required. For more information, contact Ashley Taylor at 864-255-7863 or ajtaylor@shrinenet.org.   

Source : Gree Ville Online , 3rd April 2014