Scoliosis Child

Causes

In most children, the cause of scoliosis is not known. Genetics may play a role.

In others, the cause may be due to:

• Problems with the nervous system, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy
• Inherited problems that run in families
• Differing leg lengths
• Injury
• Infection
• Tumors

Risk Factors

Things that may raise the risk of scoliosis are:

• Problems with the nervous system, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy
• Rapid growth during puberty
• Having other family members with this problem

Symptoms

Most children do not have symptoms. Those who do may have:

• Changes in posture
• Uneven shoulders
• One shoulder blade or rib cage that sticks out more than the other
• Uneven hips
• Back pain
• Problems breathing (rare)

Diagnosis

The diagnosis may be made during a routine physical. Or, it may be made after a school screening program has referred a child to the doctor.

The doctor will ask about the child's symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. It will focus on the spine.

Pictures of the spine may be taken. This can be done with X-rays.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the child's age, stage of growth, and the severity of the curve. Children with a mild curve may not need treatment. They may be monitored for any changes.

The goal of treatment in others is to prevent scoliosis from worsening. Options are:

• Physical therapy to promote strength, flexibility, and range of motion
• Bracing or casting to prevent the curve from getting worse

Children with severe curves may need surgery. Spinal fusion may be done to fuse two vertebrae. This can straighten the curve.

Prevention

There are no known guidelines to prevent scoliosis.