Infantile idiopathic scoliosis falls into two groups: the resolving and the progressive. The resolving cases just have to be observed over a period of time to ensure that they follow their natural course which usually takes anywhere from 18 to 24 months to complete. The rib vertebrae angle (RVA) of such cases falls below 20 degrees. In a few cases, the RVA is above twenty degrees but it will decrease within the next few months. These cases normally do not require any treatment other than periodic observation until the curve has resolved.
The progressive cases require immediate treatment. A doctor can determine at a very early stage a progressive curve by obtaining two A/P x-ray images within a two to three month interval. If the first x-ray shows an RVA of 20 degrees or more (in a few cases, it starts out less than 20 degrees) and the second A/P x-ray image shows that the RVA has not changed or has increased then it is a progressive curve.
Braces are generally NOT effective in holding down progressive curves ( except sometimes - not too often- for very small, flexible benign curves ). At best, braces will slow the progression of the curve. At some point during a child's rapid growth phase which usually occurs between the ages of 0 to 4, a child will grow at a rate which doubles the growth rate experienced during adolescence. To take advantage of this rapid growth, Dr. Mehta has treated numerous children with serial casts with incredible results. A cast is required to hold the curve in its newly corrected position for a period of three or four months. Once the child outgrows the cast, a new one is applied and the spine is further corrected. This process is continued until the the Rib Vertebrae Angle (RVA) falls to zero or thereabouts. Curves at the end of treatment having a Cobb angle less than 20 degrees, vertebral rotation less than 10, RVA of 0 and no structural deformity of the vertebrae at the apex of the curve will usually evovle towards healing. The total length of time in a cast depends on the severity of the child's curve. If the child's curve is below 40 degrees, two or three cast changes may be all that's required. Curves above 40 degrees take longer to bring under control. Stiff, rigid curves referred to as "Malignant Progressive Scoliosis" can be brought under control with casting IF caught early - usually 25 degrees or less.
According to Dr. Mehta's article "Infantile Idiopathic Scoliosis", when the "RVA difference is zero, the ribs on either side of the spine are in symmetry, there may be a small residual curve which will disappear over time followed by vertebral derotation and a gradual disappearance of the rib hump ( always in that order )" She states that a brace should be worn for a period of time to maintain the RVA at zero (perhaps for three to six months). If after that period of time, the RVA is STILL zero, then the child can be freed of all external support. The child is then monitored to ensure that the RVA remains at zero. Some residual curves can take up to 7 years to resolve, BUT if the RVA remains at zero, then that child doesn't need to wear ANY kind of brace or cast !!! She then states "if the deformity (meaning the residual curve) has been corrected before the onset of the prepubertal growth spurt there will be no relapse at adolescence but if correction is incomplete a small relapse may occur".
The progressive cases require immediate treatment. A doctor can determine at a very early stage a progressive curve by obtaining two A/P x-ray images within a two to three month interval. If the first x-ray shows an RVA of 20 degrees or more (in a few cases, it starts out less than 20 degrees) and the second A/P x-ray image shows that the RVA has not changed or has increased then it is a progressive curve.
Braces are generally NOT effective in holding down progressive curves ( except sometimes - not too often- for very small, flexible benign curves ). At best, braces will slow the progression of the curve. At some point during a child's rapid growth phase which usually occurs between the ages of 0 to 4, a child will grow at a rate which doubles the growth rate experienced during adolescence. To take advantage of this rapid growth, Dr. Mehta has treated numerous children with serial casts with incredible results. A cast is required to hold the curve in its newly corrected position for a period of three or four months. Once the child outgrows the cast, a new one is applied and the spine is further corrected. This process is continued until the the Rib Vertebrae Angle (RVA) falls to zero or thereabouts. Curves at the end of treatment having a Cobb angle less than 20 degrees, vertebral rotation less than 10, RVA of 0 and no structural deformity of the vertebrae at the apex of the curve will usually evovle towards healing. The total length of time in a cast depends on the severity of the child's curve. If the child's curve is below 40 degrees, two or three cast changes may be all that's required. Curves above 40 degrees take longer to bring under control. Stiff, rigid curves referred to as "Malignant Progressive Scoliosis" can be brought under control with casting IF caught early - usually 25 degrees or less.
According to Dr. Mehta's article "Infantile Idiopathic Scoliosis", when the "RVA difference is zero, the ribs on either side of the spine are in symmetry, there may be a small residual curve which will disappear over time followed by vertebral derotation and a gradual disappearance of the rib hump ( always in that order )" She states that a brace should be worn for a period of time to maintain the RVA at zero (perhaps for three to six months). If after that period of time, the RVA is STILL zero, then the child can be freed of all external support. The child is then monitored to ensure that the RVA remains at zero. Some residual curves can take up to 7 years to resolve, BUT if the RVA remains at zero, then that child doesn't need to wear ANY kind of brace or cast !!! She then states "if the deformity (meaning the residual curve) has been corrected before the onset of the prepubertal growth spurt there will be no relapse at adolescence but if correction is incomplete a small relapse may occur".
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