Height

[Jack909]

Does anyone know how much shorter having scoliosis makes a person? I have scoliosis and am the shortest of 4 brothers and I've always wondered if this is anything to do with my back. I have a double curvature 60 top, 50 bottom and am waiting to have surgery so I guess I'll be a little taller after. I'm approx 5 ' 10''.

[flowerpower]

Hi,

I know I've lost a couple inches over the years due to scoli, but it varies with different people. I've heard of people gaining anywhere from 1/2" to 2 inches after surgery. Good luck with your surgery-

Renee

[LindaRacine]

Hi Jack...

I don't know if it's exact, but I've often heard that one can be measured from fingertip to fingertip, with their arms stretched straight to the sides (like an angel), and that that measurement is normally the same as their height.

Regards,
Linda

[flowerpower]

That was something my daughter was just taught in life science, she was telling me that right before Thanksgiving break, that would be interesting to see if there is any difference between the two - I may experiment on my son when he gets home...

Renee

[Carmell]

Braydon always gets measured from wingtip to wingtip (outstretched fingertips). The orthos say its a good way to measure what the true height should be, compared to what the actual height is. For Braydon at age 10, he is already 4+ inches compromised in height. This is mostly from having fusion surgery as an infant. Every person is different and for some, this measurement may not be as accurate as others, but its a fun way to see what the comparison is.

[itsjustme]

I used to be 4 ft 10 1/2 before I had the surgery. Afterwards I am now a towering 5ft :) YAY! I guess you could say I 'grew' a little bit. :)

[Mary Lou]

I've always been told that if you take your height at the age of 2 and double it, that's how tall you will be when fully grown. If that's the case, Jamie is 8 inches shorter than she should be. As for measuring from wingtip to wingtip, I'll have to check that out on Jamie.

Don't be surprised if you don't gain a lot of height after surgery. Jamie was hoping to get 2-3 inches, but only gained about 1/2 in.

Mary Lou

[monie]

Just wanted to add that I heard about that fingertip theory before as well... I'm not sure where, but I know I've come across it before... I'm 27, and after my surgery, I gained 2 inches in height... it was pretty cool.. Now, I actually have a torso.

Jack909, with the degree of your curves, I'm almost certain you'll get a little taller after surgery as well... :)

Monie

[Karen Ocker]

At age 60, when my 30/80/40 degree curves were reduced by 50%, I gained 1 1/2 inches.

Karen