Scoliosis

What is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis can occur due to many different causes. However, the scolioses that we frequently encounter in our daily lives are idiopathic scoliosis, which occurs mostly in the teens and whose cause is not yet known, and congenital scoliosis , which occurs due to factors in the womb and is symptomatic from birth.

The main factorsin congenital scoliosis are thought to be infections during pregnancy, diabetes and certain vitamin deficiencies.

Main types of Scoliosis:

• Congenital, usually due to a developmental defect in the spine or fused ribs,
• It can occur as a result of paralysis of the muscles due to conditions such aspolio (polio), cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy (wasting away),
• Ofunknown cause (idiopathic); It can occur for an unknown reason in a previously straight spine.

What are the Symptoms of Scoliosis?

Scoliosis Symptoms

• Scoliosis leads to rapid deterioration (increased curvature) with the onset of puberty.
• It occurs in 2% of the population
• More common in girls
• Only 10% of all patients progress and may require surgical treatment
• Diagnosing scoliosis can be done simply by visual inspection, which is why mothers suspect it during bathing
• Usually there is no pain
• Lateral curvature of the spine,
• Lateral and forward curvature of the spine,
• Advancement of one shoulder (right-left) forward,
• Shoulders and hips are not symmetrical,
• The existence of a second curve satisfying the first curvature,
• Back or lower back pain,
• Shortness of breath, fatigue,

How is scoliosis diagnosed?

Scoliosis is diagnosed according to both examination findings and radiological examinations (X-ray, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Computed Tomography, etc.). During the physical examination, the curvature is more pronounced when the patient leans forward than in a standing position. X-rays of the spine in different positions (anteroposterior, lateral, sideways, ...) and scoliometer (a device that measures the amount of curvature of the spine) measurements are the most important diagnostic methods used to determine the amount of scoliosis.

How is scoliosis treated?

There are many factors that influence the decision to treat scoliosis, such as the amount of curvature (degree), the type of scoliosis and the stage of bone growth. Early diagnosis is very important for the successful treatment of scoliosis patients, as early initiation of treatment positively affects the results.

1. Non-Surgical Treatment

There are many factors that influence the decision on treatment, such as the amount of curvature (degree), the type of scoliosis and the stage of bone growth. Since early initiation of scoliosis treatment positively affects the results, early diagnosis is very important for the successful treatment of scoliosis patients.

2. Surgical Treatment

Surgery is the most appropriate treatment method for scoliosis patients in whom growth continues and the curvature is above 40 degrees (>40°). In surgical treatment, the spine is corrected with the help of screws and rods placed in the back and/or waist. Today, advances in surgical techniques and auxiliary methods such as neuromonitoring of spinal cord functions during surgery are very useful in reducing the problems that may occur in scoliosis patients during surgery and increase the success of surgery.