Adolescent Scoliosis Treated by Leading Spine Doctors in Baltimore

Scoliosis is a sideways (lateral) curvature of the spine. Most forms of scoliosis progress rapidly during adolescent growth years before slowing. Adolescent scoliosis is the most common form of scoliosis. This type of scoliosis does not become noticeable until the growth spurt begins in adolescence. Its cause is unknown and so it is sometimes called idiopathic scoliosis. Adolescent scoliosis most commonly occurs in females. 

Scoliosis may cause:

• One shoulder to be higher than the other
• One hip to be more prominent than the other
• Prominence of one side of the rib cage (rib hump)
• Postural imbalance with the patient’s head to the right or left of the pelvis

Severe curves of the spine can compromise the function of the heart and lungs.
Spine specialists diagnose scoliosis in adolescents by conducting a physical exam and possibly a neurological exam to test for weakness, numbness and reflexes. Imaging testing such as X-rays, MRIs and bone scans may also be conducted.

Mild forms of scoliosis in adolescents typically do not require treatment. Depending on the patient’s growth and severity of the curve, a brace may be recommended to help lessen the progression of the curve. 

Surgery is a treatment option for severe scoliosis. The spine surgeons at The Maryland Spine Center use special spinal instrumentation that gradually applies corrective forces in all 3-dimensions to address all aspects of the spine deformity. It is rarely necessary to open the chest or abdomen. Using these methods, our spine surgeons are able to achieve better correction of the deformity than previously available.