Scoliosis an important school screening

Geisinger provides orthopedic treatment for curvature of the spine

Oct. 5, 2009, DANVILLE – For years, students have been screened for scoliosis by school nurses. Is this an outdated practice?

Absolutely not, according to experts. Scoliosis, or curvature of the spine, can occur at any age, but is most common after age 10. If a school nurse suspects scoliosis, an adolescent should be examined by a physician to rule out any potential neurological deficits and a rare type of the disease that involves the spinal cord.

“Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that makes the spine look more like an S or C shape rather than a straight I,” said Geisinger orthopedic surgeon Fred Hess, M.D., FAAOS. “It is a three-dimensional deformity that is often noticed by a bump in the back over the ribs or lower back and causes uneven shoulders or one hip to stick out.”
 
According to Dr. Hess, a proper diagnosis of scoliosis is critical for successful treatment. Diagnosis requires a complete medical history, comprehensive physical exam and X-rays of the spine. The type of treatment will depend on the degree of the curve, patient’s age and the number of remaining growth years to reach skeletal maturity.

While there is no cure for scoliosis, there are several treatment options available to patients. With a mild curve, a doctor may decide to observe the patient regularly to be sure the curve is not increasing. Bracing can prevent scoliosis from getting worse and is effective if the child is still growing, according to Dr. Hess.

 Surgical treatment may be necessary for serious curvature. An implant of rods, screws and wires is used to straighten the spine.

“We are seeing incredible advancements in surgical techniques for scoliosis,” said Dr. Hess. “In most cases, patients are walking, without a brace, by the second or third day and discharged from the hospital within one week. A return to sports is often possible in six to nine months after surgery.”

Early screening and diagnosis of scoliosis, according to Dr. Hess, allows many youngsters to be observed and treated with braces to avoid the need for surgery.

“Most people with scoliosis lead full, productive and normal lives,” he added.

About Geisinger Health System
Founded in 1915, Geisinger Health System (Danville, PA) is one of the nation’s largest integrated health services organizations.  Serving more than two million residents throughout central and northeastern Pennsylvania, the physician-led organization is at the forefront of the country's rapidly emerging electronic health records movement. Geisinger is comprised of two medical center campuses, three hospitals, a 740-member group practice, a not-for-profit health insurance company and the Henry Hood Center for Health Research—dedicated to creating innovative new models for patient care, satisfaction and clinical outcomes. For more information, visit www.geisinger.org.

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