Early Onset Scoliosis Surgery
Early onset scoliosis involves the development of abnormal lateral curvature of the spine before the age of 10. The condition occurs at congenital or acquired different challenges because the spine is still in a growing stage. The majority of the children are diagnosed with this condition between the ages of 10 to 15 with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Identifying idiopathic scoliosis at birth or in early childhood is rare. The type of scoliosis is categorized by age at onset of diagnosis:
- Infantile idiopathic scoliosis is diagnosed from birth to 3 years old.
- Juvenile idiopathic scoliosis diagnosis from 3 to 8 years old.
- Early onset idiopathic scoliosis encompasses both infantile and juvenile scoliosis and diagnosis from the period of birth to the age of 8.
Scoliosis is an abnormal condition of the spine, side to side curve is the abnormal condition that develops in scoliosis. In children diagnosed with scoliosis the spine does not grow straight which it should be. It grows curved and twisted. Spine curves typically grow in the shape of 'S' and 'C'. This goes from mild to extreme.
Understanding Spinal Curves and Early Onset Scoliosis
A spinal curve is measured in degrees that includes:
- Mild Less than 20 degrees
- Moderate Between 25 to 40 degrees
- Extreme More than 50 degrees
Early onset scoliosis affects boys more than girls. Therefore, it is necessary and important to identify the curve in the spine as early as possible. In case treatment is required, it can be started soon. On the other hand, if treatment is not possible at that time, at least the doctor may have the record of your health and the curve in the spine. This, in turn, helps to see the changes in the spine as the child grows.
Since every child is different, so is the body and the condition of the body. For this reason, it is better to start the treatment early, because as time passes, the curve can get worse. However, a doctor may wait for the treatment when the curve is at a mild stage, because the mild stage does not need treatment.
Signs and symptoms of early onset scoliosis
Symptoms of scoliosis are different with a child and its body type. Symptoms can be different that may include the following one:
- Shoulder height
- Head position
- Hip height or position
- Shoulder blade or position
- The position of arms hang beside the body when standing straight
- The way the side of the back look when bending forward
Causes of early onset scoliosis
Scoliosis can sometimes be diagnosed at a very young age when the child has these symptoms too:
Chest deformity that includes pigeon breast.
Fused ribs
There are some more reasons that might be the cause of scoliosis such as:
When scoliosis develops as part of syndrome such as neurofibromatosis
Neuromuscular conditions like spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
In most of the cases early onset scoliosis is unidentified. This type of case is known as idiopathic.
Diagnosis of early onset scoliosis
The main diagnosis for early onset scoliosis is the physical exam.
To diagnose the condition doctors will perform these steps:
- Complete evaluation of the child
- Reviewing the previous medical history of the child
- To identify any issue with the bones doctors perform some specific tests
- Measures the degree of curve angles of the spine
- Prescribing X rays to find out the accurate curves
- X rays are the main test for early onset scoliosis
Cost of early onset scoliosis in India
India is among the top leading countries to provide best medical facilities along with advanced technology at the most affordable range. The cost of early onset scoliosis in India is cheap and cost effective compared to other western nations. Top neurosurgeons in India provide the best services for the patient approaching from different nations.
Summary
Scoliosis is an abnormal condition of the spine, side to side curve is the abnormal condition that develops in scoliosis.
The condition occurs at congenital or acquired different challenges because the spine is still in a growing stage. The majority of the children are diagnosed with this condition between the ages of 10 to 15 with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
