Left Curve Significance

[Caitlin's Mom]

My daughter, age 11, was recently diagnosed by her Pediatrician. She has an "s" curve. Smaller curve is 25 degrees and larger curve is 40 degrees (a left curve). Took her to a specialist in NYC, David S. Feldman, MD. He says that left curves are a-typical and could mean neurological problem causing the scoliosis. She is scheduled for an MRI tomorrow morning. Does anyone know what type of neurological problem could be the cause of left curve scoliosis?

[Carmell]

Hi Irene,

Try not to panic yet. A left curve is not typical, but it doesn't mean there has to be something underlying causing the curve. There are several potential problems with the spinal cord that could contribute to scoliosis. Things like a tethered cord (meaning the spinal cord is somehow anchored and not free-flowing) or a syrinx (a fluid filled pocket along the cord) or a lipoma (a fatty deposit in/near the spinal cord) or several other things. The MRI should be a full-spine MRI, not just a partial scan. Ask for a NEUROSURGEON to read the scan, not just the radiologist's report. A neurosurgeon is trained to see things that maybe the radiologist doesn't.

There are statistics (sorry, I don't have a website right now) that show the connection between a spinal cord issue and scoliosis. Many neurosurgeons believe that once the spinal cord issue (if one is present) is corrected, the scoliosis will improve, or at least stop from progressing farther. Be sure to ask the ortho and/or neurosurgeon about this.

Please let us know what you find out from the MRI.

[mumof5]

My 14 year old daughter is due for sugery in 3 days. She has 2 60+ curves going to the left she had an MRI which showed no problems. I still don't really understand the significance of an atypical curve but it is usually caused by some other problem like described above. Good luck and let us know what happens.
Cheryl