‘’Scoliosis’’, which is the name given to spinal curvature, is a condition that is typically diagnosed during the growth period. Scoliosis, which develops as a result of the spine curving or twisting to the right or left due to various reasons, can seriously affect a person’s life if left untreated, beginning at a young age. Professor Dr. Şevki ERDEM explains how scoliosis is diagnosed, its causes, and treatment methods.

What is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis, which has a prevalence rate that varies between 0.2% and 6%, is the oldest known spinal deformity.   While it can develop due to various causes such as trauma and congenital developmental disorders, the cause of 80% of skolyoz cases is unknown. Generally, at the beginning of the growth period, symptoms such as asymmetry of the shoulders, a protrusion in a part of the back, and the hips not being at the same level are noticed by the parents.

Skoliosis, also known as curvature of the spine, is when the spine bends to the side at an angle greater than 10 degrees. In a normal and healthy spine, the vertebrae run in a straight line from top to bottom, from the neck, through the back, and down to the lower back. However, in scoliosis, the vertebrae shift to the right or left and also rotate around their own axes. Therefore, it is defined as a three-dimensional deformity (shape abnormality).

Scoliosis can also cause shifts in the hips, ribcage, and shoulder blades, leading to postural and visual abnormalities. In children during their growth phase, this condition can cause abnormal loading on developing and growing spine and resulting to the deformities in the vertebrae.