IDIOPATHIC SCOLIOSIS

Approximately 90 percent of scoliosis cases are idiopathic, making it the most common type. The term means that doctors can’t pinpoint the cause of the spinal curvature.

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The Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute has Doctors and Surgeons who have treated over 100,000 spine patients and used surgery over 16,000 times to stop the pain.

Idiopathic Scoliosis

The word “idiopathic” means that the cause of this form of scoliosis is unknown. The adolescent form affects children between 10 and 18 years old. This form of scoliosis affects girls more than boys. In fact, girls are treated 10 times more often than boys. There are many theories as to why this type of scoliosis develops, but the root of the condition remains unknown.

Causes Include

Genetics – Scoliosis appears to run in certain families because hereditary could cause the condition. In view of this, significant research continues in the field of genetics.
Growth – Curves progress rapidly during growth spurts, perhaps showing a tie to hormonal causes.
Structural Changes – Some studies have shown increased muscular activity around the spinal curves. Differences in leg lengths have also been noted in adolescents with this condition. However, clear evidence does not exist that this type of change causes scoliosis. However, a relationship could exist.
Central Nervous System Changes – Some forms of scoliosis are linked to central nervous system disorders. A lot of research has been focused on this topic. But so far such disorders have not been proven as the root of this condition.
Equilibrium – If a child has problems with posture, balance, and body symmetry, it could affect the way the spine positions itself. If the problems are chronic, they may disrupt the way the spine and muscles develop.

Questions and Answers

What is Idiopathic Scoliosis?

Doctors classify Idiopathic scoliosis as a spinal condition characterized by an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine. The term “idiopathic” means that the cause of the condition remains unknown. It typically develops during childhood or adolescence, and doctors and scientists do not know its exact cause. Idiopathic scoliosis can range in severity from mild to severe and may require monitoring or treatment depending on the degree of curvature and the potential for progression.

How is idiopathic Scoliosis Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of idiopathic scoliosis typically involves a comprehensive evaluation that may include the following:

Medical history: The healthcare provider will ask about any symptoms, family history of scoliosis, and previous medical conditions.
Physical examination: The healthcare provider will visually assess the spine, shoulders, hips, and ribcage for any signs of curvature or asymmetry. They may also measure the curvature using a scoliometer or other instruments.
X-rays: X-ray imaging will confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the curvature. X-rays provide detailed information about the angle, location, and pattern of the spinal curve.
Additional tests: In some cases, our doctors may order additional tests such as MRI or CT scans to assess the spinal structures or rule out any underlying conditions.

What are the Treatment Options for Idiopathic Scoliosis?

The treatment approach for idiopathic scoliosis depends on various factors, including the age of the individual, the severity of the curve, and the risk of progression. Treatment options may include:

Observation: If the curve appears mild and not progressing, our doctors will recommend regular monitoring with periodic check-ups and X-rays.
Bracing: For moderate curves or in cases where the individual continues to grow, our doctors may recommend a brace to help prevent further progression of the curvature. Patients will wear braces for several hours each day as they effectively control curve progression.
Surgery: In severe cases or when the curve continues to progress despite other measures, our doctors will recommend surgery.

Idiopathic Scoliosis is classified by the age at which it occurs, falling into one of four categories:

Infantile – Also known as early-onset scoliosis. Develops in children, mostly boys, under the age of 3.
Juvenile – More common in girls, this kind of scoliosis occurs between the ages of 3 and 10.
Adolescent – This type of scoliosis makes up the majority of cases. It’s most common in girls between the ages of 11 and 17. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis refers to children and is the most common — representing nearly 90 percent of cases.
Adult – This type refers to adults 18 years and older.

The curvature of idiopathic scoliosis (Infantile, Juvenile, and Adolescent) varies from person to person, with mild curves being more common than severe curves. In children and adolescents who are still growing, the curve can get worse rapidly during a growth spurt. While this type of scoliosis can develop in younger children, it most often begins during puberty for both boys and girls. However, girls usually develop severe curves that require medical care.

Likelihood of Progression

Once scoliosis becomes diagnosed, concern may arise whether the curves will continue to grow bigger. Doctors cannot determine if a curve will continue to grow, but the following is known:

Curves in the thoracic spine are more likely to progress than lumbar curves.
The likelihood of growing bigger depends on the size of the curve. Larger curves are more likely to get bigger.
If the curves start at a young age or before a girl begins her period, they are more likely to progress.
The higher the child’s Risser sign number at diagnosis, the less chance of progression. The Risser sign also measures skeletal maturity and is based on a 0 to 5 scale with 5 being full skeletal maturity.

Symptoms

In children and adolescents, small curves often go unnoticed until they hit a growth spurt during puberty and there are more obvious signs, such as:

Tilted, uneven shoulders, with one shoulder blade protruding more than the other
The prominence of the ribs on one side
Uneven waistline
One hip higher than the other
Back pain
Difficulty breathing

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Adult Idiopathic Scoliosis

Adult idiopathic scoliosis refers to the continuation of the disease from childhood. Scoliosis may have started during your teenage years and gone unnoticed, not progressing until you reached adulthood. This form of scoliosis can affect both the thoracic and lumbar portions of the spine.

In adults, the symptoms are often more severe and may include:

Spinal stenosis, an abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal that can cause back pain that’s worse when standing or walking.
Nerves can sometimes become compressed and may cause radiating pain in the mid to lower back, as well as numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs.
In severe cases (generally in curves more than 90 degrees), scoliosis can result in diminished lung function.

Diagnosing

Idiopathic scoliosis gets diagnosed through a combination of physical examinations and specialized X-ray images. During the physical examination, one of our doctors at the Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute, Richard Hostin, MD, Devesh Ramnath, MD, Ishaq Syed, MD, Shyam Kishan, MD, and Kathryn Wiesman, MD, will examine the curvature of the spine, looking closely at the degree of rotation in the spine. They will also note any secondary changes in other parts of the body.

X-ray images are important to pinpoint the shape and location of the curves, as well as for measuring the degree of the curvature for classification. Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute utilizes the revolutionary EOS 2D/3D X-ray imaging system, which allows us to quickly take full-body images of patients in standing or seated positions in just a few seconds while delivering the lowest possible dose of radiation.

Treating

In many cases, doctors treat idiopathic scoliosis treatment through a combination of watching and bracing. However, in cases where the patient’s curve progresses to the point that it causes pain or difficulty breathing, the doctor may recommend surgery as the best option.

Observation

Your doctor will typically recommend watching a patient whose curves are not severe. Using our advanced in-house imaging system, doctors can get X-ray images of the spine every 4 to 6 months to determine if the curve continues to grow or not while the patient receives an extremely low dose of radiation. This low-dose imaging system protects children, from the effects of radiation.

Scoliosis brace

In (primarily adolescent) patients whose curve progresses past 20-25 degrees, the doctors often prescribe a back brace until the patient reaches full skeletal maturity. Though bracing cannot correct the curvature, in many cases it can stop it from getting bigger. For this reason, bracing should begin early in detection and be worn as prescribed.

Scoliosis surgery

If the curve grows beyond 40-50 degrees, the doctors may suggest surgery. The most common type of surgery to address this condition is spinal fusion, which involves inserting rods and screws into the vertebrae to prevent the spinal curvature from growing further.

Why Choose the Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute?

The following are just a few of the many reasons why patients might choose us.

Expertise in the spine: The team of specialists at Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute is comprised of spine experts. They specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of spinal conditions, ensuring the best possible care for their patients.
Cutting-edge technology: Our practice uses the latest technology and techniques to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions. In addition, we use minimally invasive procedures that reduce pain and promote faster recovery.
Comprehensive care: Our practice offers a full range of services, from diagnostic imaging and physical therapy to surgery. We ensure that patients receive complete, seamless care for their spinal conditions.
Dedicated facilities: Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute is dedicated to providing patients with a safe and comfortable environment.

Finally, surgeries to correct idiopathic scoliosis are complex and multi-step procedures. Our Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute surgeons, with offices in Dallas, Plano, and Frisco, Texas, are specially trained and have years of experience performing these types of spine surgeries. We have seen over 100,000 patients and have performed over 16,000 operations. If you or your loved one is experiencing back pain, we strongly urge you to call us for an appointment, and we will see you in less than 24 hours.

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American Association of Neurological Surgeons: Scoliosis

Doctor’s Statement

“Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis is the most common form of scoliosis that we see in teenagers. The most common symptoms are curvature of the spine, unevenness of the shoulders, and unevenness of the hips. The treatment on the size of the curve. Research tells us that if your curve measures 50 degrees or more, it will continue to progress throughout your lifetime. After surgery, people can return to most physical activities 6 months after surgery.” Richard Hostin, MD

If you or your loved one is suffering from scoliosis, there is hope. We can help. Call Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute at 214-556-0555 to make an appointment.