Ask the Expert: Scoliosis Awareness Month: Importance of Spotting the Signs Early

June is Scoliosis Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about this common spinal condition that often begins in childhood or adolescence. Early detection is key to preventing serious complications and improving long-term outcomes through timely treatment and expert care.

Scoliosis is a 3 dimensional curvature of the spine that can be caused by prior trauma, infection, and degenerative conditions, but the most common type is Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. It is seen in approximately 5% of the general population, females and males are equally affected, with worse deformity seen in females. Diagnosis is usually made in adolescence, ages 10-14, that is why school screening programs and educating parents is important.

If diagnosed early (lesser degree curves) scoliosis can often be treated with bracing and or be monitored with x-rays. Prevention of progression of the scoliosis curve is the goal early on and can help prevent surgical management. Parents should look for unevenness in the shoulders, rib prominence, a caved in chest, and or walking with the trunk leaning more towards one side. These signs should prompt a visit to the pediatrician or any primary care doctor for evaluation.

For curves under 25 degrees, monitoring with serial x-rays is usually prescribed, between 25-40 degree curves are treated with bracing in patients who are still growing. Curves 45 degrees and over are treated with surgery if there is x-ray evidence that the curve has been progressing over time.

Surgery is performed to correct deformity and stop progression. In the adolescent population scoliosis has been shown to be associated with increased rates of depression and suicide. When the curve is corrected and the progression of deformity is stopped it can increase lung volumes and the space available for abdominal organs which can lead to a longer higher quality life for the patient.

Early detection is key, as it may prevent surgical management in the future or make surgical management less invasive, extensive and mitigate risk.

About Dr. Jaime Villarreal

Villarreal is an orthopedic spine surgeon at DHR Health who specializes in scoliosis and other complex spinal conditions. He combines advanced surgical training with a personalized approach to help patients regain mobility and improve their quality of life.

Dr. Jaime Villarreal, DHR Health Orthopedic Spine Surgeon
5540 Raphael Drive Edinburg, TX 78539
To schedule an appointment, call (956) 362-6683
To learn more about DHR Health’s Spine Center of Excellence, visit https://dhrhealth.com/services/spine-center-of-excellence/

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