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Spinal Deformities

Correcting your spinal curve

What are spinal deformities?

Deformity of spine is any abnormality of the formation, alignment, or shape of the vertebral column.

The spine, or backbone, is made up of small bones (vertebrae) stacked — along with discs — one on top of another. When viewed from the side, a healthy spine has gentle curves to it, which help the spine absorb stress from body movement.

When viewed from behind, the spine should run straight down the middle of the back.

However, certain spine conditions that affect children during their early or late childhood years — and sometimes even before birth — curve the spine more than normal or deform it.

The spine also may be rotated or twisted, pulling the ribs along with it to form a multidimensional curve that may impair breathing.

The orthopaedic spinal team at NSOC in Kenya offers comprehensive evaluation and treatment for individuals with all forms of scoliosis and kyphosis.

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Types of  spinal deformities

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There are three main types of spine deformities, including:

  • Scoliosis. A person with scoliosis has a sideways curve to their spine. The curve is often S-shaped or C-shaped.

  • Kyphosis. Kyphosis is characterized by an abnormally rounded upper back (more than 50 degrees of curvature).

  • Lordosis. Also called swayback, the spine of a person with lordosis curves significantly inward at the lower back.

What causes spinal deformities?

There are a number of health problems that may cause the spine to curve more than normal or to be misaligned.

Congenital (acquired before birth) deformities of the spine occur when bones or vertebrae do not develop properly during pregnancy, for instance,spina bifida, a birth defect in which the spinal column of the fetus does not close completely during development inside the womb

Some spinal deformities are due to injury or repeated trauma such as sports injuries, and some are caused by disease like malignant spinal tumors or benign spinal tumors.

Discitis. Inflammation of the disc space between the bones of the spine most often caused by infection

Spondylolisthesis. A condition in which a vertebrae, usually in the lower back, slips forward

Spinal infections and obesity, or being extremely overweight can also lead to spinal deformities.

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Signs and symptoms of spinal deformities

Symptoms vary depending on the type of spine curvature disorder and the severity of the condition.

Symptoms of lordosis may include:

  • Appearing swayback, with the buttocks being more pronounced
  • Having a large gap between the lower back and the floor when lying on your back on a hard surface that does not change when you bend forward
  • Back pain and discomfort

Symptoms of kyphosis are usually visible in nature and include:

  • Bending forward of the head compared to the rest of the body
  • Hump or curve to the upper back
  • Fatigue in back or legs
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Symptoms of scoliosis may include:

  • Off-center head position
  • Uneven shoulder blades with one being higher than the other
  • An uneven waist or hip
  • Leaning toward one side

Diagnosis of Spinal Deformities

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Because many of the symptoms of specific spine conditions overlap, accurate diagnosis and careful monitoring are essential to planning the most successful course of treatment for the patient.

Diagnosis for a spinal deformities is done by conducting a thorough medical examination and family history, observing the curve of your child’s spine during the physical exam.

The physician will also use imaging tests to look more closely at the spine to see if there are any problems with the bones of the spine and to measure what degree of curve is present.

Diagnostic tests may include:

  • X-rays, the primary diagnostic tool for scoliosis to show abnormal spinal bones and the precise angles of curvature.

  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body.

  • (CT) scan, which uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images of the body.

  • Bone scan or DEXA scan, which determines the health and strength of bones.

  • Positron emission tomography (PET) scan, in which a small amount of radioactive sugar is injected into a vein and a scanner makes detailed, computerized pictures of areas in the body where disease may occur. PET scans are particularly useful tools when doctors suspect your child has a benign tumor or malignant tumor.

  • Blood tests.

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Outstanding care for all spinal deformities

Treatment of Spinal Deformities

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Treatment is determined on a case-by-case basis. In planning your child’s individual treatment, our team of specialists will consider the severity of the curve, where it occurs in the spine, and your child’s age and stage of growth.

Non-surgical management can be beneficial to people with some types of spinal deformities. This includes exercise, building muscle strength and tone, and weight maintenance.

Back braces, halo vests and other bracing devices are often the first line of defense against a child’s worsening spinal curves. Braces are worn under clothes to support the spine in correct anatomical position.

Physical therapy including gait and posture training may be part of the treatment plan for deformities of the spine. The physical therapist in Nairobi, Kenya at NSOC will evaluate your child’s posture, muscle strength and flexibility and will provide a home exercise program which is designed specifically for your child.

This program helps to stretch and strengthen your child’s muscles so the brace is comfortable.

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Surgical Treatment Options

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If your child’s spine condition is interfering with neurologic (nerve) function, causing persistent pain or breathing difficulties, or is due to an infection or a tumor, corrective spine surgery is usually required.

Two of the most common surgical treatments for scoliosis are growing rods (for children who are still growing) and spinal fusion (for children who have reached skeletal maturity).

  • Spinal fusion: During the spinal fusion operation, the bones in the back are joined together with bone taken from the hip bone or pelvis. Metal rods are placed alongside of the spine to hold the bones in a straight position while the bone graft heals. The extra bone from the hip or pelvis helps knit the bones together.

  • Growing rod surgery : This is done through the back of the spine. In most cases, the curve in the child’s back is spanned by one or two rods under the skin to avoid damaging the growth tissue of the spine. The rods are attached to the spine at two spots — above and below the curve.

Follow – up Care

If back bracing is required, your child will be re-evaluated every six months until your child’s condition is stable.

If bracing is recommended as a treatment leading up to spinal surgery, your child will be evaluated regularly before and after surgery until your child’s condition is stable. After the spine is stabilized, annual visits to an orthopaedic healthcare provider are recommended.

If your child received growing rods, spinal fusion — may be necessary when your child has finished growing.

Regular checkups to monitor your child’s back are recommended as your child grows to ensure that the spinal condition does not worsen.

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