Dr. Justin Roth, pediatric orthopedic surgeon at The Center Orthopedic & Neurosurgical Care in Bend, Oregon, explains the causes and risk factors for scoliosis, symptoms, and nonsurgical and surgical treatment options.

There are three types of scoliosis that can be diagnosed in children and adolescents. Treatment options vary depending on the patient’s type of scoliosis, its severity, and curve progression.

IDIOPATHIC SCOLIOSIS
The most common type of scoliosis making up 8085% of cases. The cause of idiopathic scoliosis is unknown, but research has shown genetics play a role in around 30% of patients. Treatment for idiopathic scoliosis generally begins when small curves are first detected in a child’s spine around the age of 10 and up to when he/she is fully grown.

There are two other types of scoliosis that are less common; congenital and neuromuscular.

CONGENITAL SCOLIOSIS
Occurs if a baby’s spine did not fully form, or if it fused together before birth. Because abnormalities are present at birth, congenital scoliosis is usually diagnosed at a younger age than idiopathic scoliosis.

NEUROMUSCULAR SCOLIOSIS
This type of scoliosis can occur in a patient diagnosed with a condition that affects the nerves and muscles. Conditions such as muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy can cause imbalance and weakness in the muscles that support that spine, leading to scoliosis.

Dr. Roth’s fellowship training in pediatric orthopedics makes him one of Central Oregon’s only experts in treating children with orthopedic conditions of the hip, foot and ankle, and hand, as well as limb and spinal deformity, sports medicine, and neuromuscular disease management. He recognizes that children’s growing bodies require specialized orthopedic care, whether treating a fracture or a complicated medical condition. Some complex conditions require a higher level of care than what is currently available in Central Oregon. In order to treat these pediatric patients, Dr. Roth has staff privileges at Shriners Hospital for Children in Portland. Learn more https://www.thecenteroregon.com/docto...

The Center Orthopedic & Neurosurgical Care & Research https://www.thecenteroregon.com/
The Center is a leader in the diagnosis and treatment of all musculoskeletal conditions, with ten locations throughout Central Oregon. Founded in 1958 as Bend Orthopedic and Fracture, the practice continues to be driven by leading best practice and innovation. With a staff of 24 physicians and 22 midlevel providers, our expertly trained specialists in orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, physical medicine and rehabilitation, sports medicine, and occupational medicine, The Center is here to keep our community healthy, active, and strong.