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    My son's general practitioner diagnosed my son last week with scoliosis. This was just based on an observation (no tests). She said we should go see an orthopedic surgeon and she would set up the appointment for us. A few days later she called back to say that the orthopedic surgeon would not see us until he could see an x-ray of my son's back. So we went to his usual doctor and got the x-rays done. A few days later the orthopedic doctor's office called and said that he has a 9 degree curve and that is too slight so he does not need to be seen. He told us to go back to our usual doctor in 3 months and repeat the x-rays.

    Does this sound right to everyone? Should I try to find an orthopedic surgeon that will see him?

    I am sorry to bother everyone with this - I know it must seem rather minor compared to what a lot of you are facing. I just want to make sure we are doing the right things. We found out a year ago that he was legally blind in one eye so he has been through a lot already. BTW my son is six years old.

    Thank you for any help you can offer!!

  • #2
    Hi claysmom,

    Welcome. Although your son technically doesn't have scoliosis (anything less than 10 degrees is not considered scoliosis) he is YOUR child and you worry anyway. Nothing can take that worry away until you know he's ok.

    That said, I believe the ortho's recommendation of having a repeat xray in 3 months is the right plan. There is no treatment they would offer to him at this point. Many specialists (pediatric orthos with a spine specialty) won't see patients unless a curve is 20+ degrees. They have too many other patients who need their attention.

    Also, while you're waiting, keep notes of his medical history, even things you don't think are relative. You mentioned he's blind in one eye - was that a result of an injury or a congenital issue? Does he have problems with low muscle tone/weak joints? Does he have a heart issue? etc. These may play into treatment later down the road.

    Scoliosis in young children is not common. This is definitely something to keep an eye on. However, treatment options aren't typically a one-time-fix thing. Scoliosis is a life long condition that - when monitored well - is a very treatable condition. I think you are doing great. Hopefully in 3 months the xray will show a very straight spine and no worries anymore. Take care.
    Carmell
    mom to Kara, idiopathic scoliosis, Blake 19, GERD and Braydon 14, VACTERL, GERD, DGE, VEPTR #137, thoracic insufficiency, rib anomalies, congenital scoliosis, missing coccyx, fatty filum/TC, anal stenosis, horseshoe kidney, dbl ureter in left kidney, ureterocele, kidney reflux, neurogenic bladder, bilateral hip dysplasia, right leg/foot dyplasia, tibial torsion, clubfoot with 8 toes, pes cavus, single umblilical artery, etc. http://carmellb-ivil.tripod.com/myfamily/

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    • #3
      If the eye problem is due to a lens dislocation, that may or may not be related to the scoliosis within known symptom constellations.
      Sharon, mother of identical twin girls with scoliosis

      No island of sanity.

      Question: What do you call alternative medicine that works?
      Answer: Medicine


      "We are all African."

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      • #4
        Hi claysmom,

        Welcome to the forum!

        I would not be too concerned about this. There is nothing much they can do for a curve of 9degrees and the ortho would simply monitor it at this stage and x-ray it every few months, which is precisely what he is doing, but through your GP. So relax, keep seeing your GP and make sure you follow up with the x-ray. It would also most likely be cheaper to access your GP in the interim rather than a surgeon who would charge you an arm and a leg for a service a GP can provide.

        If the curve progresses, you will most likely get an appointment with the surgeon, and they will likely consider treatment options, which in this day and age are very effective.

        All the best,
        Lisa
        Mum to Tahlia, aged 15. Fused from T2 - L3, 18/11/08.

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        • #5
          Thanks so much to everyone! It is so good to hear that we are on the right track. I don't think his vision problems are related (he was born this way), but I will definitely keep that in mind. Luckily he does not have any other health problems. Good luck to all of you, I will keep you all in my prayers.

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