Scoliosis is an unusual sideways bending of the spine often diagnosed in childhood. It can affect different parts of the spine, creating an ‘S’ or ‘C’ shape. This curvature is measured in degrees. Common signs include an uneven spine, an off-centre head, or one hip or shoulder appearing higher than the other. Severe cases can lead to heart and lung issues causing breathlessness and chest pain, as well as discomfort in the back, ribs, and abdomen.

Types of Scoliosis

Scoliosis curves often resemble either a backward C shape, known as dextroscoliosis when bending to the right, or a regular C shape, called levoscoliosis when bending to the left. There are four common types of scoliosis curves:

• Right Thoracic Curve: Bends to the right side of the upper back (thoracic region).
• Right Thoracolumbar Curve: Bends to the right side, starting in the upper back (thoracic) and ending in the lower back (lumbar).
• Right Lumbar Curve: Bends to the right side, starting and ending in the lower back.
• Double Major Curve: Involves a right thoracic curve on top and a left lumbar curve on the bottom. Individuals with a double major curve may initially have a less noticeable deformity as the two curves balance each other out.

Treatment at Apollo for Scoliosis

At Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, our distinguished orthopaedic surgeons offer scoliosis surgery to correct this spinal deformity. Scoliosis surgery aims to create a balanced spine with the head, shoulders, and trunk correctly centred over the pelvis. This involves using instruments to reduce the deformity and fusion to prevent further curvature.

Recent advances include staples on the convex side of the curve to correct and maintain it until the patient matures. These staples allow for differential growth, correcting the curve as the child grows. Nitinol, a titanium-based alloy, is now used for spinal implants. These ‘C’ shaped staples become straight when cooled but secure into a ‘C’ shape within the bone at body temperature, promoting normal growth and improving any remaining deformity.