Idiopathic scoliosis

Idiopathic scoliosis is a deformity of the spine that occurs during the developmental period, that is, it can appear at any time during the growth period. You are not born with it. And it stops progressing when skeletal maturation is over. Of all the scoliosis diagnosed, it is the most common.

It is a structural scoliosis and is defined as a three-dimensional deformity of the spine in which there is a lateral deviation and a rotation of the vertebral bodies, there is also wedging and crushing of the vertebral discs. The cause of idiopathic scoliosis is unknown, which is why the term "idiopathic" is used.

The diagnosis of idiopathic scoliosis is based primarily on observation and x-rays. The x-rays that are performed will be simple x-rays with the child standing. We must observe the elements that make us see what a structured scoliosis is: the rotation of the bodies, coining and the direction of the curve.

Scoliosis is going to decrease dorsal kyphosis, so it is going to decrease the diameter of the thorax, this, in turn, is going to bring complications of lung capacity due to lack of space. Above or below the main curve, secondary curves may form to compensate. They are called compensating curves, radiographically they do not initially have signs of structuring, there is no vertebral rotation. To establish the prognosis it is necessary to establish the location of the curve. It refers to the region where it appears, thoracic, lumbar, thoraco-lumbar or major or primary double curves.

The basic objective of any treatment is the control of the progression to complete maturation. The correction of the existing deformity and the avoidance of general or local consequences. We must know that a structured scoliosis will not be able to reduce completely, among other reasons due to the limitations and risks of the treatment, but we seek a good functional situation and quality of life for the patient.

Initial treatment is conservative. None of the conservative treatments have been shown to have decisive effects on evolution. Tractions, exercises, and those correctors, corsets. However, they contribute to temporarily correcting the curve and serve to avoid or prevent the progression of the disease in patients who have not reached maturity and who have curves that are acceptable, otherwise surgical procedures are recommended.