Scoliosis in Children With Cerebral Palsy

Scoliosis is an affliction characterized by an unnatural curvature to the spine. Left untreated, scoliosis can lead to extreme deformities of the spine and other related health issues. Children who suffer from cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy are especially susceptible to developing scoliosis. If detected early, scoliosis is a treatable condition.

Minor curves to the spine are natural; however, curvature that exceeds 10 degrees can be diagnosed as scoliosis. Scoliosis is hereditary and occurs most often during the growth spurt just before the onset of puberty. In children with cerebral palsy, however, the onset can occur much earlier. The likelihood that a child with CP will develop scoliosis is approximately 20 percent, especially if the child has movement limitations. Females develop scoliosis twice as often as males.

Signs that your child may be developing scoliosis include: uneven shoulders or a prominent shoulder blade, an uneven waist or elevated hips, or leaning to one side or the other. If you detect any of these signs, bring them to the attention of your child's pediatrician. In its early stages, both the disorder and the treatments are relatively painless.

Diagnosis of scoliosis requires a few simple tests. The doctor will most likely start with the "forward bending" test, where he will ask your child to bend forward and attempt to touch their toes. From this position, he can easily examine the spine to look for unusual curvature or uneven ribs. If he suspects anything, he will most likely schedule some x-rays to take a closer look.

Mild scoliosis is between 10 and 20 percent. Moderate cases are 20 to 30 percent. Severe curvature is anything over 30%. The main goal in treating scoliosis is the prevention of further curvature. The secondary goal is the reversal of previous curvature. Treatment will be based on the speed at which the spine is curving and the severity of the curve. Some mild and most moderate cases may be treated by fitting the child with a brace. The brace is intended prevent the spine from further curvature as the bones grow and strengthen. Severe cases might require an operation such as spinal fusion surgery. It is best not to perform spinal fusion surgery until the bones are done growing, however, in some extreme cases, this is not possible. Sometimes adjustable metal rods can be placed in the spinal structure. This allows for periodic adjustments as the child grows.

Whatever treatment option is employed, as your child continues to grow, he will need many follow-up appointments to continue monitoring the growth and shape of the spine.

To reiterate, especially if your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, the sooner the presumption of a spinal disorder is medically diagnosed, the sooner treatment can begin and the higher the likelihood of a favorable outcome.