Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that can be seen in the thoracic or lumbar regions. In a normal, healthy spine, the vertebrae form a straight line from top to bottom when viewed from behind, encompassing the neck, back, and lumbar regions.

In scoliosis, the vertebrae shift to the right or left and also rotate on their axis. While the curvature can be seen even when the spine is standing upright when viewed from behind, it is sometimes less obvious and can only be detected when bending forward, during checkups, and on X-rays.

How to Understand?

Scoliosis is more common in adolescence and if not treated early, it can cause irreparable damage to both the cosmetic and the heart and respiratory systems.

Observing the patient's own body shape and noticing certain symptoms is important in diagnosing the disease. These symptoms are:

• Inequality between shoulder levels
• Asymmetry in the waist pits
• One side of the spine protrudes forward
• A bony protrusion on one side of the back (a hump on the shoulder blade)
• Shifting to the right or left in body balance

Diagnostic Methods

Scoliosis is diagnosed based on a standing X-ray of the entire spine and the presence of one or more of the symptoms listed above during a clinical examination. Once a diagnosis of scoliosis is made, an MRI examination is necessary to determine the cause.

The angle between the vertebrae where the curvature begins and ends is measured on the front, back, and side radiographs of the entire spine taken while standing, and the progression of this angle is monitored. Cobb angle It is called.

Treatment

For curves exceeding 40 degrees and for patients with continuing growth potential, surgical treatment is the only option. Surgical treatment can be successfully performed using implants (screw-rods) placed in the back and waist.