Spinal Disorders

Scoliosis:

Scoliosis is a deformity of the backbone (spine). It’s when the spine has a side-to-
side curve. The curve of the spine measures 10 degrees or more.
A normal spine appears straight when looked at from behind. But a child with
scoliosis has a spine with an S or C shape. The child may look like he or she is
leaning to one side. The curve can happen on the right or left side of the spin. Or
it can happen on both sides in different sections. Both the middle (thoracic) and
lower (lumbar) spine may be affected.

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Causes:

Nervous system problems like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy
Inherited conditions that tend to run in families
Differences in leg lengths
Injury
Infection
Tumors

Symptoms:

Difference in shoulder height
The head not centered with the rest of the body
Difference in hip height or position
Difference in shoulder blade height or position
Difference in the way the arms hang beside the body when the child stands straight
Difference in the height of the sides of the back when the child bends forward.

Treatment:

Bracing:

If your child is still growing, he or she may need a brace for some time.

Surgery:

Your child may need surgery when the curve measures 45 degrees or more on an
X-ray and bracing has not slowed down the progression of the curve.

Kyphosis:

A normal spine, when viewed from behind appears straight. However, a spine affected by kyphosis shows evidence of a forward curvature of the back bones (vertebrae) in the upper back area, giving the child an abnormally rounded or hum”humpback” appearance.
Kyphosis is defined as a curvature of the spine measuring 50° or greater.
The normal spine can bend from 20° to 45° of curvature in the upper back area.