Early Onset Scoliosis (EOS):

Is the early diagnosis and management important?

In addition to the aesthetic part, which can affect the psychosynthesis of each child, EOS can potentially affect the biomechanics of the spine (causing pain) as well as the respiratory function and lung development as children grow.

It is important to be monitored regularly by a specialist doctor so that any possible complication can be dealt with immediately. An early diagnosis means treatments can start sooner. Starting treatment as soon as possible offers the best long-term results.

Early Onset Scoliosis (EOS):

What you should do if early onset scoliosis symptoms are present?

Your pediatrician is the first person that you should turn to so that he/she can take a full medical history of the child and perform a clinical examination. If the doctor notices any alarming symptoms, then he/she will refer the child to a specialized spine surgeon in scoliosis to carry out an accurate diagnosis and complete investigation and evaluation of the condition.

Early Onset Scoliosis (EOS):

How EOS is diagnosed?

Early onset scoliosis is typically found during a physical exam.

At first, the doctor will:

• Perform a full evaluation of your child
• Review your child’s medical history
• Perform any tests needed to see if there are problems with the bones
• Measure the degree of curve in your child’s spine
• Order X-rays to figure out the exact angles of the curve

X-rays are the main test for early onset scoliosis. Your child’s doctor might order additional tests to gather more information. This could include MRI, ultrasound and / or CT scan.

An early diagnosis means treatments can start sooner. Starting treatment as soon as possible offers the best long-term results.

If follow-up is needed, the doctor may suggest scheduling regular appointments every 3 to 6 months.

6.Early Onset Scoliosis (EOS):

How is treated?

Schedule your appointment

Since your doctor has recommended a regular follow-up, don’t neglect to schedule your Spine Surgeon appointment regularly. If the condition remains stable, then the follow-up may continue until your child reaches adulthood (16-18 years old).

Do not “neglect” physical exercise

Many people may, mistakenly, have the impression that in Early Onset Scoliosis is good to avoid physical exercise. Studies have shown that the strengthening of the core muscles can help. It has not been proven that they may improve or prevent a possible downward course of the condition but it can certainly work for the benefit of patient’s health.

Plaster Casts and Back Braces

In very young children and babies, the initial treatment is often a plaster cast. This is usually applied under general anesthesia and changed 3 monthly. It is a scientifically proven early scoliosis screening method and training is provided for its correct application. Sometimes a removable back brace is suggested once your child is old enough for this to be fitted. The back braces are usually rigid and need to be worn 23 hours a day. They can be worn under your child’s clothes. It has been found that braces only work if they are used more or less constantly. You can take the brace off to wash, dress and during sporting activities.

Surgery

Surgery may be necessary if the curve in the spine is worsening or is very bad to begin with.

Surgery in a growing child’s spine aims to reduce the risk of the curve worsening at the same time as trying to ensure the spine overall still grows and lengthens with time.

To achieve these aims, rods have to be used along with implants to connect the rods to the bones of the spine (hooks, screws or wires).

It is inevitable that more than one operation may be needed. The main reason for this is that we are trying to avoid stunting the growth of the spine, so repeat operations are needed to stretch the spine or to change the length of the rods. As the spine bones are often small when an operation is first needed, the hooks or screws used to control the spine may loosen and need replacing. The ongoing growth of the rest of the spine can also lead to new curves developing that need treatment. Once it is felt that the amount of growth left in the spine is minimal, a final operation to fuse the spine may be planned. This is to help control the early onset scoliosis (EOS) for good.