Scoliosis

Overview

Scoliosis is the medical term for a sideways curve in one or more segments of the spine. Scoliosis is often accompanied by slight twisting or rotation of the trunk.

Scoliosis may go undetected because mild spinal curves aren't immediately visible and the condition rarely causes pain in children. In many cases, treatment isn't necessary, although regular follow-up is wise because spinal curves tend to worsen during periods of rapid growth.

The two main treatments are bracing and surgery. A spinal brace slows the progression of mild- and moderate-sized growth-related curves. Surgery, which usually involves fusing some spinal bones (vertebrae) to hold them in alignment, is necessary for a severe curve to prevent continued worsening during adult life.

Why choose Mayo Clinic for scoliosis

• Experience and expertise. Doctors at Mayo Clinic have been treating childhood and adolescent scoliosis for more than 70 years. As many as 1,000 children visit Mayo Clinic in Minnesota for scoliosis care each year. About 150 of these patients require scoliosis surgery, which is performed by Mayo Clinic orthopedic surgeons specializing in child and adolescent spine disorders.
• Advanced diagnosis and treatment. Pediatric radiologists at Mayo Clinic use a range of imaging technologies, from digital full-spine X-rays for baseline curve measurement to high-volume CT scans and 3-D spinal modeling for guiding complex surgery in real time. Specialists in pediatric anesthesiology team up with orthopedists in scoliosis surgery.
• Team approach. Pediatric rehabilitation experts (physiatrists) join other pediatric subspecialists in nonsurgical scoliosis treatment, as well as in surgery planning. Nurse practitioners, social workers, and physical and occupational therapists are also involved in planning and delivering care.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., is ranked among the Best Hospitals for orthopedics by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., are ranked high performing for orthopedics by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic also ranks among the Best Children's Hospitals for orthopedics.

Mayo Clinic: Answers you can trust

At Mayo Clinic, we assemble a team of specialists who take the time to listen and thoroughly understand your health issues and concerns. We tailor the care you receive to your personal health care needs. You can trust our specialists to collaborate and offer you the best possible outcomes, safety and service.

Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit medical institution that reinvests all earnings into improving medical practice, research and education. We're constantly involved in innovation and medical research, finding solutions to improve your care and quality of life. Your doctor or someone on your medical team is likely involved in research related to your condition.

Our patients tell us that the quality of their interactions, our attention to detail and the efficiency of their visits mean health care — and trusted answers — like they've never experienced.

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