Scoliosis
Scoliosis; It is a condition in which the spine is bent to the side. That is, it is the case when the body is tilted sideways in an S or C shape. Patients with scoliosis often have one shoulder higher than the other. Scoliosis is not the same in every person, and its severity can vary from person to person. Scoliosis with low curvature is described as mild scoliosis and usually does not cause any health problems. As the curvature increases, the degree of scoliosis also increases, and problems such as limitation of movement and breathing problems may occur, as well as disturbing the posture of the person.
What are the Risk Factors in Scoliosis?
Although the exact cause is not known in many scoliosis patients, environmental factors and physical activity are thought to play a role. Again, genetic factors and having scoliosis in the family are also considered as risk factors. In addition , scoliosis may develop after Marfan syndrome, infection, cerebral palsy , and tumoral diseases.
Scoliosis can be broadly classified into 4 subtypes;
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Idiopathic Scoliosis: Also known as scoliosis of unknown cause, it is the most common type of scoliosis.
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Neuromuscular Scoliosis: It is the second most common type of scoliosis. In this type of scoliosis, the patient has problems with the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves or neuromuscular junctions or muscles. Sitting is very difficult in these patients. Unlike idiopathic scoliosis, these patients may have pain.
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Congenital (Congenital) Scoliosis: It is a type of scoliosis that occurs due to the developmental disorder of the child in the mother`s womb.
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Adult Degenerative Scoliosis: It is a type of scoliosis that can occur for many reasons such as osteoporosis, degenerative bone diseases, advanced age, and muscle wasting in later ages.
How is Scoliosis Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is made by plain waist X-ray, moving waist X-ray, standing scoliosis X-ray. If necessary, nerves and soft tissues can be examined by MR (Magnetic Resonance) and bones and joints can be examined in three dimensions by CT (Computed Tomography).
How Is Scoliosis Treated?
There is no single type of scoliosis treatment. The treatment varies according to the type of scoliosis, the symptoms that occur in the patient, its effect on the comfort of life, whether it is progressive or not. While bracing, follow-up and minimal surgery are considered in lighter and non-progressive patients; In painful cases that are progressive and reduce the comfort of life of the person, surgical correction of scoliosis is considered as a priority in the treatment.
