Scoliosis is a spinal condition characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine. It can develop in individuals of any age, but it is most commonly diagnosed in children and adolescents during their growth spurt. In this blog post, we will explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for scoliosis.
Causes of Scoliosis
The exact cause of scoliosis is not always known, but there are several factors that may contribute to its development:
- Idiopathic Scoliosis: This is the most common type of scoliosis, accounting for 80-85% of cases. The cause is unknown, but it is believed to have a genetic component.
- Congenital Scoliosis: This type of scoliosis is present at birth and is caused by a vertebral defect that develops during fetal growth.
- Neuromuscular Scoliosis: Conditions such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and spinal cord injuries can lead to muscle imbalances and spinal curvature.
- Degenerative Scoliosis: This type of scoliosis is more common in older adults and is caused by the wear and tear of the spine over time.
Symptoms of Scoliosis
The most common symptom of scoliosis is a visible curvature of the spine. Other symptoms may include:
- Uneven shoulders or hips
- One shoulder blade protruding more than the other
- Leaning to one side
- Difficulty breathing in severe cases
In some cases, scoliosis may not cause any noticeable symptoms, especially in its early stages.
Treatment Options for Scoliosis
The treatment for scoliosis depends on the severity of the curve, the age of the patient, and the underlying cause. Treatment options include:
- Observation: For mild cases of scoliosis, regular check-ups with a healthcare provider may be all that is needed.
- Bracing: For moderate cases of scoliosis, a brace may be recommended to prevent the curve from worsening.
- Surgery: In severe cases of scoliosis, surgery may be necessary to correct the curve and prevent further progression. Spinal fusion is a common surgical procedure used to treat scoliosis.
Role of Surgery and Bone Growth Stimulators in Scoliosis Treatment
During spinal fusion surgery for scoliosis, the surgeon lays down bone fragments (usually taken from the patient's hip) in the segment of the spine to be fused. Over time, a process called "osteogenesis" starts, which is the body's way of growing bony tissue to unite the bone graft pieces into a solid fusion.
However, there is always a risk that the bone will not grow together and fuse properly (called a non-fusion, failed fusion, or pseudoarthrosis). To enhance the chances of achieving a successful bone fusion, an electrical bone growth stimulator may be used as an adjunct to spinal fusion surgery.
Bone growth stimulators are devices that send low-level electrical signals or electromagnetic fields to the fusion site, activating the body's natural bone healing process. They can be either implanted under the skin (internal) or worn on the outside of the skin (external).
Studies have shown that the use of bone growth stimulators can significantly improve fusion rates in patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery. For example, one study observed a 97% lumbar fusion rate in patients who received bone growth stimulation compared to 62% in those who did not.
By incorporating both surgical intervention and bone growth stimulation therapy into the treatment plan, healthcare providers can optimize the healing process and increase the chances of achieving a successful fusion in patients with scoliosis.