A female asked:
Can surgery be used to treat congenital scoliosis in children? my child was born with congenital scoliosis. can she have surgery to correct it, or does she have to wait until she's an adult?
3 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in
Dr. Justin Esterberganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 26 years experience
Congenital : Congenital scoliosis is typically treated in childhood. This really depends on the underlying reason for the scoliosis, how old your child is, and the chances that the scoliosis can get worse. Surgery is a corrective option for this and it sounds like you should have an evaluation by a pediatric spine surgeon to see if surgery is or will be necessary at some point to help correct this. Pediatric spine surgeons typically practice in major cities at the university or affiliated hospitals. A pediatric orthopedic surgeon in your local are can also be helpful.
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5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Richard Pollardanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
Talk to MD: You have to find out wether the scoliosis is affecting the child. In severe cases scoliosis can cause pain and interfere with breathing. In minor cases it is detectable on examination, but is not interfering with the patient's lifestyle. If it is the latter case you may not need surgery at all. Talk to your md about options.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Gerald Mandellanswered
Nuclear Medicine 54 years experience
Consult ped orthopod: In congenital and idiopathic scoliosis the decision to operate is made on the degree of curvature and rapidity of progression. Most curves increase in preadolescence and adolescence. Insurance may not pay for surgery unless curvature is of magnitude of about 30-35 degrees.Scoliotic curves with today's techniques can not only stop progression but can sometimes reduce degree of curvature.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Nov 28, 2017
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