Treatment strategies for early-onset scoliosis

Abstract

<li><div>Early-onset scoliosis (EOS) is defined as a spinal deformity occurring before the age of ten years.</div></li><li><div>Untreated EOS or early spinal fusion resulting in a short spine is associated with increased mortality and cardiopulmonary compromise.</div></li><li><div>EOS may progress rapidly, and therefore prompt clinical diagnosis and referral to a paediatric orthopaedic or spine unit is necessary.</div></li><li><div>Casting under general anaesthesia can be effective and may prevent or delay the need for surgery in curves of less than 60°.</div></li><li><div>‘Growing’ rods (traditional or magnetically-controlled) represent the standard surgical treatment in progressive curves of 45° or greater.</div></li><li><div>Children with congenital scoliosis associated with fused ribs benefit from surgery with a vertical titanium prosthetic rib.</div></li><li><div>Surgery with growth-friendly instrumentation is associated with a high risk of complications.<br /></div></li>