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Specialist Services
Scoliosis
 Scoliosis (from the Greek word 'skolios' meaning crooked) is a condition where the spine is abnormally curved. Mild curves are often not noticeable whereas some forms of congenital and neuromuscular scoliosis can cause severe deformities that can even make sitting and walking difficult. Some types of scoliosis can progress (get worse) and some do not progress depending on the cause of the scoliosis, age and the severity of the curve.
The common types of scoliosis are:
- Idiopathic Scoliosis - seen in children/teenagers and the cause is unknown
- Congenital Scoliosis - due to a birth defect in the spinal column
- Degenerative Scoliosis - seen in older people due to arthritis in the spine
- Neuromuscular Scoliosis - seen in people with cerebral palsy, polio and Duchenne's muscular dystrophy.
  The management of scoliosis can be broadly divided into three: Observation (regular follow-up with radiographs (x-ray), Orthosis (braces) and Operation (surgery). Most patients with scoliosis will require some form of follow-up and observation. Orthosis and braces are usually reserved for children who have not attained skeletal maturity (not completed growth). Surgery is usually considered for severe cures, curves that continue to progress or has the potential to progress or if the patient is unhappy with the body shape resulting from the scoliotic curve.
This is a brief overview and may not be applicable to everyone. We suggest that you discuss all your issues with your surgeon.
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