Scoliosis is a three-dimensional deformity, most often appreciated as a curve to the side in a C or S shape. It mainly happens in children just before puberty and causes symptoms such as an uneven waist, shoulders or hips. We are not certain about what causes most cases of scoliosis, but it can be caused by spinal injuries, spinal infections or neuromuscular disorders, such as muscular dystrophy, or cerebral palsy.
Dr Saravanja is very experienced in scoliosis surgery and is considered an expert in treating these conditions.
While scoliosis is typically mild, some children have curves that are more severe. These cases of scoliosis sometimes require the use of a brace to stop the curve from getting worse. If a brace doesn’t help, doctors sometimes recommend surgery to help correct the curve as much as possible and lower the risk of future complications, such as chronic back problems, noticeable physical changes and damage to the underlying organs. Doctors might also recommend surgery for adults with scoliosis who are experiencing more severe symptoms due to aging.
The most common type of surgery used for scoliosis is spinal fusion, which can help to give the spine more stability, reduce the curve and prevent it from worsening. Spinal fusion involves joining bones in the spine together to stop them from moving on their own. Doctors place pieces of bone, called bone grafts, between the bones and insert a metal rod and screws to keep that section of the spine stable while the bones fuse together. Doctors will not usually perform this kind of surgery on children until their bones have grown sufficiently.