En Español (Spanish Version)

by Carson-DeWitt R

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 45º-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:
SurgeryOther 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/ .

Revision Information

Health Library Search

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1 Scoliosis condition

Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine, or backbone. Instead of a straight vertical line from the neck to the buttocks, the spine has a C- or S-shape. This can r...

2 Diagnosis of Scoliosis condition indepth
3 Conditions InDepth: Scoliosis condition indepth
4 Other Treatments for Scoliosis -- Braces condition indepth
5 Reducing Your Risk of Scoliosis condition indepth
6 Resource Guide for Scoliosis condition indepth
7 Risk Factors for Scoliosis condition indepth
8 Screening for Scoliosis condition indepth
9 Surgical Procedures for Scoliosis condition indepth
10 Symptoms of Scoliosis condition indepth
11 Talking to Your Doctor About Scoliosis condition indepth
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15 Pulmonary Hypertension -- Child condition

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