What you need to know to make decisions
There are three primary choices for the treatment of scoliosis.
Observation: indicated for curves <250 in all children, those with growth remaining and those with no growth remaining. Core strengthening exercises are frequently prescribed. Bracing: indicated for curves >250 in children with growth remaining. Remaining growth is determined from hand x-rays and growth centers on the pelvic bone. Presence of menstruation is indicator of slowing of growth.
Surgery: Surgery may be considered when curves progress to >400 or 450 in children over 9-10 years of age. There are several choices regarding surgery in idiopathic scoliosis.
