Your Scoliosis Surgery: What You Should Know
Are you or your child facing scoliosis surgery? If so, you are not alone! Thousands
of adults and children around the world undergo spine surgery to treat scoliosis
each year.
Types of Scoliosis
Although there are many types and causes of scoliosis, about 80% are idiopathic.
Idiopathic means the cause of scoliosis is not known. It is thought to be genetic
or inherited in most cases. Other common causes include:
- Congenital (such as caused by a hemivertebrae in which one side of a vertebral
body fails to fully form creating a wedge-shaped body)
- Neuromuscular (associated with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, polio, etcetera)
- Degenerative (disc 'wear and tear')
- Spina Bifida -Other
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Idiopathic Scoliosis, Double "S" Curve
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Congenital Scoliosis; arrow points to the hemivertebrae
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Neuromuscular Scoliosis, "C" Curve
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Neuromuscular Scoliosis
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Spina Bifida (below): Note the severe scoliosis and kyphosis associated with this congenital abnormality.
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Updated on: 02/01/10
