Paediatric scoliosis: Take one step ahead of the curve
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Published on 9 October 2022
Scoliosis affects 2% of the population, with the majority of cases diagnosed during childhood. How does the condition affect children and how can we manage it?
However, it’s not all doom and gloom even if your child has the condition. “90% of patients have mild scoliosis without any real need of intervention. The remaining 10% of patients would require specialist care for more watchful observation, a brace, or surgery,” said Dr Lau.
Types of treatment
So how is paediatric scoliosis treated?
“After confirmation of diagnosis, the doctor would determine the severity of the scoliosis with the patient in a standing position using radiographs. Serial radiographs are required to monitor the progression of the curve during the growing phase of the child,” he said. “At NUH, we have two slot scanning machines that allow this to be done safely with minimal radiation. This is particularly suitable for children.”
Developments in technology have also improved scoliosis treatment methods and efficacy. “Knowing that adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is a growing disorder, the latest management involves the use of bone-age – a type of x-ray that can accurately identify the growth spurt and stratify it to stages. The abnormal growth can be restrained with a rigid brace, with the right dose of ‘wear time’ to minimise the ill effects of bracing.”
In certain scenarios, including cases of infantile or adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, the condition may even be reversible. Dr Lau described a relatively novel surgery called Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT), which can be used to guide the abnormal growth of the spine, ‘normalising’ the curve without fusion, to achieve a relatively straight and flexible spine.
Speak to your doctor to find out more about the treatment and management of paediatric scoliosis.