Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
16Pages

Patient Information Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Information About Scoliosis, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Table of Contents Anatomy of the Spine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 What is Scoliosis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 What are the Symptoms of Scoliosis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 How is Scoliosis Diagnosed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 General Treatment Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Surgical Treatment What Should I Expect with My...

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patient Information This brochure will help you understand more about: • Anatomy of the spine • Information about scoliosis • What to expect from surgery The decision to receive medical treatment is individualized to the patient and the patient’s symptoms. The information presented within this brochure may not apply to your condition, treatment or outcome, as surgical techniques vary and complications can occur. It is important to discuss the viability of treatment with your physician to decide which treatment option is right for you. This brochure is...

Anatomy of the Spine The spine is one of the most important structures in the human body. It supports much of the body’s weight and protects the spinal cord, which carries information from the brain to the rest of the body. The spine is strong yet flexible, allowing for a wide range of movements. To understand scoliosis, you must first understand what a healthy spine looks like. Posterior view (back) Lateral view (side) Anterior view (front) Atlas C1 Axis C2 Atlas C1 Axis C2 Cervical Vertebrae Thoracic Vertebrae Thoracic Curvature Lumbar Vertebrae Lumbar Curvature Sacral Curvature...

Anatomy of the Spine The spine is made up of vertebrae and is divided into four distinct regions: • ervical Spine: The cervical spine is your neck. It starts at the base of your C skull and contains seven vertebrae. • horacic Spine: The thoracic spine is your mid-back. It contains 12 T vertebrae that connect to the ribs and sternum, making this portion very stable. • Lumbar Spine: The lumbar spine is your lower back. It contains five vertebrae which are the largest and strongest, and carries most of your body weight. • Sacrum and Coccyx: The sacrum consists of 5 fused vertebrae; the end of...

What is Scoliosis? Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine. When a healthy spine is viewed from the back, it appears to be straight. However, patients with scoliosis have curves that look like a “C” (one curve) or an “S” (two curves) when viewed on an x-ray. Approximately six million people in the U.S. are diagnosed with scoliosis.1 Although scoliosis can occur at any age, it most frequently develops in children between 10 and 15 years old. This type of scoliosis is called Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. The term “idiopathic” means the cause is unknown. There is ongoing research...

What are the Symptoms of Scoliosis? For many patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, it is a painless condition. However, there are several warning signs a healthcare professional uses to help determine if a patient has scoliosis. The most common signs of scoliosis include: • Uneven shoulders and/or shoulder blades • Uneven hips and waist • Appearance of leaning • Head is not centered over the body • “rib hump”, which is a hump on one side of the spine that is most A noticeable when bending forward Uneven shoulders Rib hump Uneven hips and waist Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis...

How is Scoliosis Diagnosed? The diagnosis typically begins with a complete history followed by a thorough physical examination. A healthcare professional will examine the spine and look for any signs of scoliosis. X-rays may be taken in order to evaluate any tilt or rotation of the vertebrae causing a curvature. X-rays allow the doctor to confirm the diagnosis, monitor the degree and severity of the curve, and to assess the patient’s skeletal maturity. Posterior view (back) Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patient Information Lateral view (side)

General Treatment Options Treating scoliosis must take into account the severity of the curve, the age and state of physical maturity, and the location of the curve. Treatment options range from observation, bracing and casting, to surgery. 1. Observation Observation is appropriate for mild size curves that have a low risk of progression when the patient is still growing, or for moderate size curves when growth is complete.2 2. Bracing Bracing is appropriate for moderate size curves in growing children to prevent further progression of the curve while growth of the spine remains. The goal...

Surgical Treatment How is the Procedure Performed? To help stabilize the spine, screws are placed on each side of the vertebrae in the part of the bone called the pedicle. Hooks may also be used in conjunction with screws, and are placed around the pedicle or around the part of the bone called the lamina. Hook Screw Rods are then secured in the screw heads, connecting adjacent vertebrae. The rods are shaped to match the desired corrected curvature of the spine, and are attached to the screws and/or hooks. Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patient Information

Surgical Treatment (cont'd) How is the Procedure Performed? (cont'd) Bone graft material is placed around the final assembly and as the spine heals, spinal fusion is accomplished by bone growth between the vertebrae. This bone growth permanently fixes the spine in the desired position. The implants hold the spine in the corrected position while the spine fuses. Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patient Information 9

Surgical Treatment (cont'd) What Should I Expect with my Recovery? Surgical treatment for scoliosis may help you return to normal activities. Many patients are in the hospital for 1-2 weeks, out of school for 2-6 weeks, and may return to activities as soon as 2-6 months after surgery; or up to 9 months following the procedure. Recovery time varies between patients. It is the surgeon’s goal for the patient to eventually return to his/her preoperative activities. A positive attitude, reasonable expectations and compliance with your doctor’s post-surgical instructions may all contribute to a...