Treatments for Scoliosis

June 10, 2008 - 7:30am

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Treatments for Scoliosis

The treatment and management of scoliosis involves bracing or surgery. Scoliosis is monitored regularly and carefully to evaluate progression of the curvature. Treatment is usually reserved for curvatures greater than 20°, while surgery is usually recommended for curvatures greater than 50°.

The goals of treatment for scoliosis include:

Good cosmetic outcome
Avoidance of complications in adulthood, such as lung disease due to restriction of a deformed chest cavity

Treatment involves the following:

]]>Surgery]]>
]]>Other treatments—Braces]]>

At this time, there are no medications for the treatment of scoliosis.

References:

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://www.aaos.org/ .

Campbell’s Operative Orthopaedics. 10th ed. Mosby; 2003.

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niams.nih.gov/.website . Available at: http://www.niams.nih.gov/.

Scoliosis Research Society website. Available at: http://www.srs.org/ .

Last reviewed August 2008 by ]]>Robert E. Leach, MD]]>

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.