6 frequently asked questions about scoliosis

Scoliosis is a malformation of the vertebrae that causes an abnormal curvature of the spine, which can occur as an "S" or "C" shape. In most cases, the cause of this pathology is not completely known, although there is a lot of research that points to genetic, environmental, and developmental factors.

What types of scoliosis are there?

Spinal scoliosis, in general, is a condition that is usually classified into two types depending on their origin: congenital or acquired. When the cause is congenital, the child is born with the malformation which slowly increases as the child grows. Congenital scoliosis can be divided into two categories:

• A segmentation defect of the vertebrae during the embryonic period. There is a congenital fusion of two or more vertebral bodies on one side, so that the vertebra develops more on one side than on the other and causes an inclination of the superior vertebrae and lower spine.

• Hemivertebrae are vertebrae that develop asymmetrically (wedge-shaped seen from the front) and produce a wedging of the vertebral segment, so that the spine tilts more on one side than on the other. Acquired scoliosis, also called idiopathic scoliosis, develops during childhood. This type of scoliosis is not predictable but it can be prevented from developing and worsening once it is discovered. It might be discovered by parents noticing it or by medical examinations done in schools.

What complications or symptoms can scoliosis of the spine cause?

If it is not treated in time, this condition can have basically three gradually worsening effects:

• An increase in the degree of the curvature: If a 13-year-old patient has a curve of about 12⁰ magnitude and is not treated, this curve can increase to 30⁰ after eight or nine months and even up to 45⁰ in two or three years. This means that it will be more arduous and difficult to treat than if treated on discovery.

• Loss of flexibility of the spine: if scoliosis is not treated early, the patient's spine may become rigid and lose its flexibility.

• Curves of the spinal column can be more than 50º and can even reach 120º or more as a consequence of scoliosis not being treated in time. This curve can cause deformities of the trunk and ribs, which reduces vital respiratory capacity and increases the risk of pulmonary infections.

Can scoliosis develop in adulthood?

Scoliosis can develop in patients from the age of 50 or 60, especially in those who have a combination of osteoporosis and/or vertebral arthrosis and degenerative disc disease (disc wear). This combination can cause inclinations of two or three vertebrae with rotation of the same that end up producing adult degenerative scoliosis.

Does scoliosis affect men or women more?

In general, scoliosis is a condition that affects almost three times as many women as men. This may mean a genetic significance, and that women are more genetically-predisposed to scoliosis than men.

Should people who suffer from scoliosis do sport?

Sport in general, especially swimming or pilates, is an excellent treatment for this type of deformity, since it maintains flexibility of the vertebral column and enables symmetrical development of the muscles form.

How is scoliosis treated?

Initially, a clinical and radiological study of the patients must be carried out and type of treatment is decided, depending on the age, size, degree of bone development, type of scoliosis, magnitude of the curve and socio-familial conditions. When the curve of the column is small, in some cases rehabilitation suffices. If the patient is an adolescent or adult and the degree of the curve exceeds 45-50°, sometimes it is necessary for an orthopaedic surgeon to perform surgery for correction and to avoid worse complications.