Scoliosis

Only about 10% of people with idiopathic scoliosis will need treatment. If that progression happens, the deformity becomes more obvious to other people and more likely to cause noticeable symptoms.

Scoliosis

Scoliosis results from an abnormal curvature of the spine, usually more than ten degrees. Surgery is not always needed to treat scoliosis, but the curvature usually gets worse over time. In extreme cases, DISC of Louisiana could recommend minimally invasive spine surgery.

Types of Scoliosis

Idiopathic Scoliosis

Idiopathic Scoliosis presents in adolescents ages 10-16 during their “growth spurts”. It is found more commonly in girls.

Congenital Scoliosis

Congenital Scoliosis appears in newborns and is less common than idiopathic scoliosis, affecting 1 in 10,000 babies.

Degenerative Scoliosis

Degenerative Scoliosis appears most often in adults age 55 or older.

Neuromuscular Scoliosis

Neuromuscular Scoliosis is caused by disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and muscular system may accompany neuropathic and myopathic conditions.
Symptoms
Clothes fit awkwardly or hang unevenly

Sideways curvature observed
Causes

Doctors don’t know what causes the most common type of scoliosis, but the deformity seems tends to run in families. Less common types may be caused by: Neuromuscular conditions, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy. Birth defects affecting the development of the bones of the spine. Injuries to or infections of the spine
Treatment Options

Northshore surgeons, Dr. K. Samer Shamieh, Dr. Justin L. Owen, Dr. Sean Michael Rider and Dr. Jeremy James are conservative, minimally-invasive spine surgeons. At AVALA Spine we will work with you to treat your condition non-surgically first. Adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis should typically see a doctor every four to six months for a physical examination and X-ray. Doctors could prescribe a back brace for adolescents to stop the curvature from getting worse. Patients with with this condition in the thoracic and lumbar portions of the spine may want to consider a minimally invasive spine surgery. Adolescents with spinal curves ranging from 40 to 50 degrees may be candidates for surgery to prevent the curve from getting worse.
Potential Minimally Invasive Procedures
Laminectomy/Discectomy

Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Direct Lumbar Interbody Fusion

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR MINIMALLY INVASIVE TECHNIQUES

AVALA Spine offers spinal procedures using minimally invasive techniques. It means smaller incisions, sometimes less than an inch, that is often covered with a band-aid. The minimally invasive spine surgeon inserts special surgical instruments through the tiny incisions to access the damaged disc. Unlike traditional “open” spine surgery, entry and repair to the damaged disc or vertebrae is achieved without harming nearby muscles and tissues. Less muscle and tissue damage results in less pain and a faster recovery. Click here to learn more.

This site is not designed to and does not provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, opinion, treatment or services to you or to any other individual. Through this site and links to other sites, AVALA Spine provides general information for educational purposes only. The information provided in this site, or through links to other sites, is not a substitute for medical or professional care. You should not use this information in place of a visit, call consultation or the advice of your physician or other healthcare provider. AVALA Spine is not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or product you obtain through this site.

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