Any other young adults with thoracic curves 35+?

[redbuckeye]

My daughter is 19. She wore the Milwaukee brace when she was growing and ended up with thoracic curve of 32 and lumbar of 26. Now she is 19. We just found out that her curves have worsened! Thoracic is 38 and her lumbar is 29. Is there anyone else out there that has had their curves worsen after they have stopped growing? We thought we were "home free" and now we may be looking at surgery.

[summer]

Hi
Years ago I was told my curves would stop once I stopped growing, but today we know that is not the case. Some adults are lucky and it stays the same. I would suggest being monitored like I was. I went to an orthopedic surgeon once a year for 6 years and had x rays. Each year my curves became worse and in all likelihood would continue to progress my entire life. I didn't want to have a 90 degree curve when I was 60 years old, so I had the surgery.

[redbuckeye]

How old were you when you had surgery? Do you have children? We wonder if our daughter should have the surgery after college when she is 21 (if her curves are above 40 by then) or is she should wait longer.

[LindaRacine]

Hi Red...

(I got your PM.)

According to the research I've read, MOST curves under 40 degrees at the time of skeletal maturity will not increase. Unfortunately, not everyone fits that mold. If your daughter were mine, I would not rush toward surgery, at least until you've documented more progression. Her curves may become stable. I'm not a medical professional, but I've certainly known a lot of people with scoliosis. Waiting 5-10 years, while watching the curves, probably won't make any difference in recovery, and you may find that she's able to avoid surgery altogether.

Regards,
Linda

[redbuckeye]

Thank you. It is nice to hear an opinion from another point of view. Of course, the surgeon is leaning towards corrective surgery but I guess waiting a few years really may not make a difference (except she may not worsen)! Whether the curves are 40 now or 50 later, they can both be corrected about the same. Also, a 19 year old and a 25 year old would probably recover about the same. I appreciate your insight. Thank you.

[summer]

I agree with Linda and it is exactly what I did. I waited and measured until it was obvious that my curves just weren't going to stop. I just had it last month and am 33. I don't have any children yet.

[briarrose]

Hi

I was told my curves wouldn't progress anymore when I was 16 and my curve measured 18 degrees. When I was 20 I was having horrible back pain so I went to the doctor and found that my spine had moved to 33 degrees. Two years (last year) after that my spine was 41 degrees. I just had an xray taken on Monday and it looks like my curve has grown. It's probably close to 50 degrees now. I'll find out what the measurement of my current curve is on Wednesday. If it has worsened, I'll be looking at surgery for next summer. I'm sorry your daughter's curve has moved. It's not pleasant information to find out.

[redbuckeye]

Can you tell me the names and locations of scoliosis surgeons that you would recommend?

[LindaRacine]

Where are you located?

[redbuckeye]

We are in Ohio but may be transferring to Tennesee or the Carolinas. Do you know of EXCELLENT scoliosis surgeons in Ohio, Tennesee or the Carolinas?

[LindaRacine]

Hi...

The only doctor that I know relatively well in your area is Alvin Crawford in Cincinnati. He has a fabulous reputation. I hear good things about Isador Lieberman in Cleveland as well. You can view a list of specialists in the area here:

http://www.srs.org/directory/directory.asp?mode=search

Regards,
Linda

[drummergrl]

redbuckeye- I go to Dr. James Lehner.... He's in south-west ohio.... and one of the best in this whole area. He's on that list someone posted!!!

[CurvySAT05]

I too agree with linda. Unless your daughter is in pain waiting for a good amount of progression would not hurt. Scoliosis is rarely an emergency. Waiting for her to finish college or have more progression would not hurt. I had my surgery at 17 just before my second semester of senior year. I am happy I had it when I did because I was in A LOT of pain, but waiting is not a bad idea. It is a hard recovery no matter when you have it.
Mandy

[redbuckeye]

Is anyone out there familiar with Dr. Richard McCarthy in Arkansas? Several years ago, I saw a segment on TV regarding a scoliosis surgery he performed and got 100% correction. I don't think the girl was even braced after surgery.?????

[buckeye95]

redbuckeye- I go to Dr. James Lehner.... He's in south-west ohio.... and one of the best in this whole area. He's on that list someone posted!!!

I am probably going to have surgery with Dr. Lehner in the next month or two, and was curious how previous patients liked him, and how satisfied they are with surgery. Would you mind emailing me and telling me more about your experience with him?
Anita