The typical approach to treating scoliosis in children is simply to “watch and wait” and see how the curve progresses. But… you don’t have to “watch and wait, as most juvenile scoliosis curves are at high risk of worsening without any treatment.
Scoliosis in children, also referred to as Pediatric Scoliosis or Juvenile Scoliosis is a condition in which a child’s spine is curved sideways, and the cause is unknown.
Pediatric scoliosis is defined by a curved spine in a child measuring 10 degrees or greater. It can be first diagnosed between the ages of 3 and 10.
There are three categories of idiopathic pediatric scoliosis and each category is based on the age when the child’s spinal curvature was first diagnosed:
- Infantile scoliosis: usually develops before the child is 3 years old
- Juvenile scoliosis: develops when the child is between 3 and 10 years old
- Adolescent scoliosis: develops when the child is older than 10, but typically before puberty
Whether the cause of the scoliosis is infantile, juvenile idiopathic, congenital, from a connective tissue disorder, neuromuscular, or syndromic, the need for additional spine and rib cage growth to maximize eventual lung function is paramount.
Let’s further break down the 5 main categories and approximate ages of our patients:
Pediatrics (Newborn to 8 years old)
These children pose special challenges in the treatment of their scoliosis as the growth of their spine and the lungs via the ribcage are intertwined, and must be maintained.
In these young children, initial attempts to control scoliosis and maintain ribcage and lung growth can focus on observation, bracing, or casting, though one downside of bracing and casting is that braces and casts push on the ribcage as it grows.
Childhood Scoliosis (Age 8 to 10)
For patients 8 to 10 years old, again curves are observed unless large or progressing, and priority is given to preserving spine and rib cage growth.
However, some patients may benefit from bracing, grow constructs, vertebral body stapling, minimally invasive reconstruction, or, rarely, open reconstruction.
Adolescents (Age 10 to 13)
For patients 10 and older, again observation is the rule. If your child is 10 to 13 years old, they may be a candidate for the genetics test for scoliosis, which may help avoid treatment your child does not need, or in cases in which the test predicts a severe curve, move to innovative, less invasive treatments to avoid open spinal reconstruction. Occasionally bracing may be of benefit.
Young Adults (Ages 13 to 18)
If curves progress, this can lead to worsening spinal deformity, pain, and accelerated degeneration of the spine around scoliosis in young adults.
Physical therapy and injections can often help with the pain issues, or a minimally invasive surgery addressing scoliosis to prevent further progression can be addressed.
The Spinecor Scoliosis Bracing System and Pediatric Patients
The Spinecor Scoliosis Bracing System has been found to be an effective treatment for scoliosis in pediatric patients. Scoliosis is a condition that often develops during childhood or adolescence, and early detection and treatment are key to preventing the progression of the condition.
Studies have shown that the Spinecor brace can improve spinal alignment and reduce the progression of scoliosis in pediatric patients. The brace is designed to be worn for 20 hours per day, which can help improve patient compliance and reduce the need for more invasive treatments, such as spinal fusion surgery.
One advantage of the Spinecor brace for pediatric patients is its adjustability. As children grow and develop, their bodies change, and the brace needs to be adjusted to accommodate these changes. The Spinecor brace can be easily modified to fit the changing needs of the patient, which can help improve treatment outcomes and reduce the progression of scoliosis.
In addition to its effectiveness in treating scoliosis, the Spinecor brace has also been found to be well-tolerated by pediatric patients. The flexible, dynamic design of the brace allows for greater comfort and range of motion than traditional rigid braces, which can help improve compliance and reduce discomfort.
Overall, the Spinecor Scoliosis Bracing System is an effective treatment option for pediatric patients with scoliosis. Its adjustability, flexibility, and non-invasiveness make it a preferred treatment option for many patients and healthcare professionals. Early detection and treatment with the Spinecor brace can help improve spinal alignment and reduce the progression of scoliosis in pediatric patients, which can improve long-term outcomes and quality of life.
We can customize the treatment for your child and help them get back to living their best life!