Who does it afflict?

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (the most common) usually occurs in children of age 10 or older. Girls are up to 10 times more likely to be diagnosed with this type of scoliosis than boys. Additionally, the chances of a girls’ curve worsening after diagnosis is 8 times greater than that of a boys. Idiopathic scoliosis may also run in families (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center). 

Scoliosis, however, is not strictly limited to any specific demographic. Anyone can contract a form of scoliosis (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases).

How does surgery work?

In more severe or mature cases, scoliosis can be corrected through surgery. Common types of scoliosis surgery include spinal fusion, expanding rod surgery, and vertebral body tethering. During spinal fusion, surgeons connect two or more vertebrae in the spine with bonelike material (aided with metal hooks, screws, or wires) so that they can fuse together over time. As a result, the vertebrae can no longer move independently. Expanding rod surgery is performed on younger subjects. Multiple rods are attached along the spine so that the support can be expanded to allow the child to grow. In vertebral body tethering, screws are inserted along the spine so that a cord may be threaded through. The cord is then tightened to straighten the spine (Mayo Clinic).

What are some of the symptoms?

In mild cases, an afflicted person may not experience any symptoms. In more severe cases, however, one might notice changes in posture, such as uneven shoulder or hip alignment. You may notice this change through difficulties wearing previously well-fitting clothes, for example. A common test for scoliosis is the forward-bend test, in which the subject hangs limply forward in order to detect the misalignment of one rib cage higher than the other. In rare and severe cases, an afflicted person may have back pain or difficulty breathing (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases).

How does bracing work?

Braces have no capacity to “cure” scoliosis, but they can be effective in preventing further curvature. Commonly, braces are made of plastic and contoured to fit around the lower back and hips. They can usually be hidden by clothing and should have little impact on a child’s activity, despite needing to be worn for approximately 13-16 hours a day (depending). Bracing is usually terminated after a child has reached bone maturity (Mayo Clinic).