Even though the onset of scoliosis is most common between the ages of ten and fifteen, surgery is not always necessary. Examining each patient's circumstances is essential because every case is different. If the curvature of the spine is 45 to 50 degrees or more, scoliosis surgeons generally agree that the patient will need surgery to reduce the curve and prevent it from worsening. Due to the spine's protrusion into the patient's lungs, patients with severe curvature may find it difficult to breathe and experience respiratory issues. Having scoliosis surgery now can help you avoid these problems in the future.
A curving of the spine characterizes the condition known as scoliosis. A person can be born with it or develop it over time. A person is born with congenital scoliosis, whereas an injury or disease can cause an individual to develop scoliosis.
Mild, moderate, or severe scoliosis is all possibilities. If your scoliosis is mild, you may not require surgery. Surgery, on the other hand, might be your best bet if your curve is particularly severe.
People over the age of 50 are more likely to suffer from scoliosis than those under the age of 11. Scoliosis signs and symptoms include:
Idiopathic, congenital, and neuromuscular scoliosis are the three most common forms.
The most common type of scoliosis is Idiopathic Scoliosis. Children and adolescents are most likely to suffer from it, which often runs in the family.
When a child is born, their spines are already curved. Genetics may play a role in this type of scoliosis, though the exact cause has yet to be determined.
Because of an injury or disease to the muscles in your body, neuromuscular scoliosis occurs. Adults are more likely than children to develop this form of scoliosis. Scoliosis neuromuscular is caused by a variety of factors.
Physical examinations are the most common method of detecting scoliosis. In addition to the spine's curvature, a doctor will look for unequal shoulder blades and a waistline. Because a child with scoliosis may show no symptoms, it is critical to have regular physical exams to catch the condition early. X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and bone scans can all be used to diagnose scoliosis, as can other imaging tests.
Scoliosis can be prevented from becoming more severe later in life if caught early enough in a child's development. When scoliosis is diagnosed early, it may be possible to prevent further curvature of the spine and other complications.
Surgery for scoliosis in children and teens is typically recommended to stop the curvature from progressing. In times of rapid growth, such as those experienced by children and teenagers, scoliosis curves tend to widen and become more prominent. Surgery may be necessary to avoid further growth spurts for patients with curvatures already at a certain point in their development
If the patient is still growing, brace management is typically the first step in dealing with medium-sized curves. Surgery may be an option if the curve is 45 degrees or more in the thoracic spine (the part of the spine that attaches to the rib cage). Surgery may be recommended if a patient's curve is more than 55 degrees to prevent it from worsening as the patient grows.
Adults with scoliosis may benefit from surgery to alleviate symptoms such as:
Because of arthritic changes in the lower back, the nerves in the lower back are under pressure, resulting in worsening leg weakness. If multiple X-rays show that the curvature is worsening, surgery may be necessary. The best time to consider surgery for patients with declining neurological functions is when the symptoms are so severe that they significantly impact their quality of life.
Typically, non-surgical treatments are recommended first before considering surgery as a treatment option. Injuries to the spinal cord, epidural injuries, or physical therapy may all be necessary to help the patient recover. On the other hand, scoliosis patients need to meet with a scoliosis expert to learn about their treatment options and determine which one is best for them.
So, how do you know when to get scoliosis surgery? This is the point at which both you and your specialist have exhausted all of your conservative options. The shape of each curve is unique. It's impossible to generalize about a patient population. There isn't a straightforward solution.