Things to Know About Pediatric Scoliosis

It’s Quite Common

Scoliosis causes a curvature of the spine into an “S” or “C” shape. According to research from the Mayo Clinic, approximately 3% of adolescents are affected by pediatric scoliosis. The onset usually occurs in the growth spurt right before puberty begins. Fortunately, most cases are benign, but some become more severe over time.

It Remains a Medical Mystery

Scoliosis can result from conditions such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy, and evidence points to a possible genetic link. When an apparent cause isn’t found, it can be impossible to determine the cause. This is true of over 75% of cases.

Females Are More Frequently Diagnosed

Another mystery surrounding pediatric scoliosis is why it affects significantly more females than males. The condition is diagnosed nearly ten times more often in girls than boys. Research is always continuing, but this further shows the importance of pediatric scoliosis education.

Treatments Vary

As with all medical conditions, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for pediatric scoliosis. The first-line treatment for the majority of cases is a spinal orthosis (back brace) . Wearing an orthosis will not reverse the curvature, but it can prevent it from becoming worse. The Durrett’s Orthotics & Prosthetics team can help you better understand what treatment is best for your child. Several factors must be considered, including how scoliosis affects your child and the rate of the disease’s progression.

Braces

The days of uncomfortable, ill-fitting back braces are long behind us. We will fit an orthosis for your child based on their height, weight, and body structure that is custom made and specific to their curve(s). Many braces can be worn for as much as 20 hours a day and fit discreetly under your child’s clothing. Your child will most likely become tired of wearing the brace at some point, but patients who wear their brace for at least 16-18 hours per day are less likely to require surgical treatment. Studies have shown that braces have a 90% success rate for slowing or stopping the progression of the spinal curve. It’s vital for you to maintain a positive attitude and help your child to focus on the bigger picture. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff will be able to answer your questions and provide additional resources.

Contact Us

Durrett’s Orthotics & Prosthetics has been family-owned for three generations. We emphasize providing the highest quality care and devices, and our practitioners receive ongoing education to stay on top of the latest advancements. We are a full-service provider of prosthetics, orthotics, and spinal orthotic services. Our in-house fabrication machinery means we can oversee production and provide you with your device in much less time. Do you have questions about orthotics or prosthetics? Call us at (859) 341-7688 to schedule an appointment. Our office is located in Edgewood, KY, and we are happy to serve Erlanger, Florence, Covington, Fort Thomas, Union, Walton, Oakbrook, Taylorsport, Fort Mitchell, Hebron, Beaverlick, Burlington, Belleview, Independence, Newport, Verona, Elsmere, KY, and Cincinnati, OH.