Scoliosis is a curving of the spine, in which the spine curves away from the middle or sideways.
Scoliosis is also known as:
- Spinal curvature
- Kyphoscoliosis
There are two known causes of scoliosis:
- Congenital (present at birth) scoliosis is due to a problem with the formation of the spine bones (vertebrae) or fused ribs during development in the womb.
- Neuromuscular scoliosis is caused by problems such as poor muscle control or muscle weakness, or paralysis due to diseases such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, and polio.
Sometimes, scoliosis appears in a previously straight spine for an unknown reason. This is called idiopathic scoliosis, and most commonly appears in adolescents. Some people may be prone to curving of the spine. Most cases occur in girls. Curves generally worsen during growth spurts. Scoliosis in infants and young children are less common, and commonly affect boys and girls equally.
Virtua's Spine Program offers a wide range of surgical and non-surgical treatment options for neck and back conditions. This includes everything from minimally invasive surgery to physical rehabilitation.
Virtua's Spine Program was the first program to be accredited in the Northeast, and only the second to achieve this prestigious recognition nationwide. This award-winning Spine Program is led by a dedicated spine panel comprised of Virtua surgeons who set standards, monitor quality and provide excellent outcomes for patients. Virtua has the only spine program in the region that has earned the prestigious Joint Commission.
Virtua surgeons perform more than 1,000 spine procedures each year. Virtua also emphasizes education for patients and families about rehabilitation and recovery.