Early-onset scoliosis

Why is it different?

Early-onset scoliosis means curves that appear before the age of 10. At this age, the chest and lungs are still developing. The aim of treatment is therefore not only to control the curve but also to allow the spine and chest to grow.

It may have no known cause (idiopathic), or it may occur together with vertebrae that formed differently before birth, neuromuscular conditions or syndromes. Some small curves that start in infancy resolve on their own, which is why monitoring is important.

Treatment options

• Observation: for small curves that are not progressing.
• Serial casting (Mehta method): especially in young children, casts applied under anaesthesia and renewed at intervals can help correct the curve.
• Bracing: after casting, or for some moderate curves.
• Growth-friendly surgery: for progressive curves, rods are attached to the spine and lengthened at regular intervals.

Lengthening rods

Traditional growing rods are lengthened in a small operation, usually twice a year. Magnetically controlled growing rods can be lengthened in the clinic with a device held over the skin, without an operation. When growth is complete, a final correction and fusion operation is usually carried out.