In-depth information about scoliosis symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments such as back braces and surgery for scoliosis in kids, teens and adults
Scoliosis – What
You Need To Know
Updated October 7, 2007
(Updated) The term scoliosis is used to describe an abnormal curvature of the
spine, but it is not in itself a disease or a diagnosis. This article discusses
scoliosis symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and surgery options. Read
more...
By:
Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD
Preventing
post-laminectomy spinal deformity in children with
intramedullary spinal cord tumors (Research
article)
May 5, 2004
A recent study found that instrumented spinal fusion as part of the same surgery
to remove the tumor was usually effective in preventing development of spinal
deformity. Read
more...
By: John Dormans, MD, and Leslie Moroz, Research Coordinator
Understanding
idiopathic scoliosis
Updated March 30, 2004
Treatment decisions for idiopathic scoliosis are primarily based on the skeletal
maturity of the patient (or rather, how much more growth can be expected) as
well as the degree of curvature. The cause of idiopathic scoliosis is unknown
(idiopathic literally means "cause unknown"), but the way curves
behave is fairly well understood. Read
more...
By: Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD
Bracing
for scoliosis found less effective for overweight
teens (Research article)
October 17, 2003
A recent study at Johns Hopkins Children's Center has shown that back braces
and bracing treatment for adolescent scoliosis is significantly less effective
for teenagers who are overweight. Read
more...
By: John Dormans, MD, and Leslie Moroz, Research Coordinator
Scheuermann's
disease of the thoracic and lumbar spine
December 2, 2002
Scheuermann's disease, or Scheuermann's Kyphosis, is a condition in which the
normal roundback in the upper spine is increased and results in a hunchback
appearance or deformity, but rarely causes back pain. Another condition, sometimes
referred to as Lumbar Scheuermann's disease, is really juvenile disc disorder
and can cause lower back pain at a young age. Read
more...
By: Paul C. McAfee, MD
Back
pain in kids and teens
July 11, 2002
Because children rarely suffer from back pain, any complaint by a child or
teenager about acute or chronic back pain is taken very seriously by pediatricians,
and usually will result in a detailed consultation. Suspicious episodes of
back pain, or any concerning features of the pain, may lead to a referral to
a spine specialist for further examination and diagnostic tests. Read
more...
By: Julian Huang, MD
Bracing
treatment for idiopathic scoliosis
March 26, 2002
Currently, bracing is the only non-operative treatment for adolescent idiopathic
scoliosis advocated by the spine medical community. This article discusses
the types of back braces used to treat scoliosis - TLSO, Milwaukee, and Charleston
Bending Brace - a case example, and outcomes of bracing treatment. Read
more...
By: Paul C. McAfee, MD
Degenerative
scoliosis
September 17, 2001
Degenerative scoliosis is a result of degeneration in the disc space and paired
facet joints in the back of the spine. As the joints degenerate they turn and
create a bend in the back, resulting in the classic scoliotic curve. Degenerative
scoliosis - also called adult scoliosis - is more common in the lower back
and occurs most frequently in people over 65 years of age. Read
more...
By: Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD
