Does your baby have a scoliosis? Let's learn about congenital scoliosis!

When you put on a dress for your little one, have you ever felt something like this? The button rows on the shirt don't seem to match up, or one side of the pants seems longer than the other. At first, you might think that the dress was sewn incorrectly. But, sometimes it can be something more than that. That's what we're going to talk about today.

What is this congenital scoliosis?

Simply put, congenital scoliosis is a condition where the vertebrae (bones that connect the spine) in a baby's spine do not develop properly while they are in the womb, causing the spine to curve to one side. This is a relatively rare condition compared to other scoliosis conditions, accounting for only about 10% of diagnosed cases.

Imagine, some of the vertebrae in your baby's spine may be fused together (fused), or their shape may be altered (like becoming a triangle instead of a square). When this happens, when your baby tries to keep their body straight, they tend to curve above or below these problematic areas of the spine.

This condition is present at birth and can gradually worsen as the child grows. Compared to other types of scoliosis, children with this condition (Congenital Scoliosis) are at a greater risk of developing a significant amount of scoliosis. This means that surgery is more likely to be needed within the first few years of a child's life to prevent future complications.

How does this condition occur? What are the types?

There are several types of this condition, depending on how the vertebrae of the spine formed while the baby was developing in the womb:

• Hemivertebrae: This is when part of one of the vertebrae in the spine is not fully formed. Think of it like half a brick. Instead of being straight, the spine grows to one side. This can affect just one vertebra or several.
• Segmentation Failure: During fetal development, a baby's spine is a single piece of tissue. Later, it separates into individual bones called vertebrae, much like the pieces of a chocolate bar. However, in this type of segmentation, the vertebrae do not separate properly from the original tissue and instead stick together.
• Combination - Hemivertebrae and Bars: In this case, the previously mentioned unseparated, fused vertebrae (bars) may also be present, as well as malformations of the vertebrae. This type is often the most severe.

What symptoms do we see?

The main symptoms seen in this condition (Congenital Scoliosis) are:

• Slanted shoulders.
• Uneven ribcage.
• Tilting hips.
• Difficulty standing upright.

Most of the time, if the spine is at a normal level , the child will not feel pain.

However, if the back pain is severe , it can damage the nerves or spinal cord. If this happens, neurological symptoms such as:

• Muscle weakness.
• Numbness in the limbs.
• Loss of balance or difficulty walking (Loss of coordination).

Some children may experience pain or discomfort depending on the tightness of the back.

Why is this happening? What is the reason?

Congenital scoliosis is caused by an abnormality in the development of the bones of the spine . This happens before the baby is born, usually during the first six weeks of the fetal period in the mother's womb. Experts still don't know exactly what causes this abnormal bone development . However, research suggests that environmental or genetic factors may play a role. Therefore, it is important to understand that this is not the fault of the mother or father.

What other complications can this cause?

In addition to back pain, children with congenital scoliosis can also develop heart, lung, or kidney problems . These can sometimes be life-threatening.

Other complications that can be seen include:

• Respiratory problems.
• Mobility challenges, meaning that it becomes difficult to do certain things.
• Conditions such as paralysis can even occur, but this is very rare.

Children with a backache often have problems with self-esteem and confidence . The backache can make the child feel different from others. This can have a big impact on their mental health. For example, the child may not want to wear a swimsuit or tight clothes. This can even make them shy away from activities they enjoy.

How do doctors diagnose this?

Sometimes, a doctor can detect signs of this condition (Congenital Scoliosis) during an ultrasound scan during pregnancy . The official diagnosis is often made at the first medical examination after the baby is born.

Although congenital scoliosis is present at birth, some children are diagnosed with the condition before symptoms become apparent, usually during growth spurts before the child reaches adolescence. A doctor will perform a physical examination of the child and use imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, or ultrasound scans to get a better idea of ​​the child's bones and to check for other complications. A device called a scoliometer may also be used to measure the curvature of the spine.

Is there a treatment for this condition? Can it be cured?

Treatments for congenital scoliosis help straighten and stabilize the spine. Your child's doctor may suggest treatments such as:

• Wearing a specially designed brace or a cast made of something like plaster of Paris .
• Surgery .

Your child's doctor will regularly monitor and assess the type of congenital scoliosis, the severity of the curvature, and any other complications. They will then suggest the most appropriate treatment options for your child's condition .

Shall we talk a little about surgery?

Not all children with congenital scoliosis need surgery, but many do . Since your child is still growing, the curve may get worse as he or she gets older. If the curve is severe, surgery may be necessary.

Your child's doctor may suggest surgery in these cases:

• If the back pain gradually gets worse .
• If the spine is at a severe angle .
• If your back pain is causing nerve-related symptoms, pain, or discomfort .
• If the bed affects the child's growth and development .

There are several main types of surgery performed for Congenital Scoliosis:

• Spinal fusion: In this procedure, a surgeon joins abnormally shaped or curved vertebrae together to form a single bone. This procedure corrects the spinal deformity and prevents it from getting worse.
• Vertebra Removal: This surgery involves removing the incompletely formed vertebra (hemivertebra). The surgeon then stabilizes the child's spine either with special devices (implants) or with the previously mentioned method (spinal fusion).
• "Growing Rod" Surgery: In this procedure, a surgeon inserts a "growing rod" into the child's spine. As the child grows, the rod can be lengthened with a small surgery, about every 6-8 months. After the child has grown, the surgeon removes the rod and stabilizes the spine with a spinal fusion procedure.

Surgeons always try to choose the safest and most effective surgery that will improve the child's quality of life. Most children have good results after surgery. Children can be discharged from the hospital within a few days of surgery. Rarely, a brace may be worn for a short time after surgery.

If my child has this condition, what should I expect?

Congenital scoliosis is a challenging condition to manage. Since the curve occurs early in a child's life, their bones are still developing. This means that the curve is at a higher risk of worsening as the child grows. This is why surgery is often necessary. Doctors cannot predict exactly how the child's spine will develop. Therefore, regular appointments with the doctor are necessary . They can measure the curve, monitor changes, and check for complications.

The most important thing is to know that you are not alone. The medical team, including doctors, nurses, and other staff, are always there to help you and your baby.

Severe cases of scoliosis are treated with surgery. Children who have undergone surgery, such as spinal fusion, may be shorter than other children their age. This is because spinal fusion can stop the growth of that part of the spine when the vertebrae are fused together. If you have any questions about what to expect after surgery, talk to your child's surgeon.

If you feel like your child is experiencing some mental discomfort, sadness, or anxiety, it is a good idea to talk to a mental health professional .

Will this condition affect the child's lifespan?

If severe spinal curvature associated with congenital scoliosis causes complications that affect the child's heart, lungs, or kidneys, it can affect the child's life expectancy. However, not all cases of congenital scoliosis are severe.

Your child's condition is unique to him or her. Each child's condition is different from another. Therefore, only your child's doctor can give you the most up-to-date information about your child's condition.

Is there a way to prevent this?

Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent the condition from developing (Congenital Scoliosis). However, a doctor and/or surgeon can suggest various treatment options to prevent your child's scoliosis from getting worse.

When should I see a doctor?

If your child's birth tests did not detect congenital scoliosis, but you later notice symptoms of scoliosis, see your pediatrician immediately to have your child examined.

If you already know that your child has Congenital Scoliosis, you will need to see your doctor regularly. During these visits, the doctor will examine and measure the spine and discuss any treatment your child may need. If your child reports any discomfort or pain, let the doctor know.

What are the important questions to ask the doctor?

It's a good idea to ask your child's doctor questions like these:

• What type of Congenital Scoliosis does my child have?
• Does my child need surgery?
• What will my child's recovery time be like after surgery? (Recovery)
• How should I take care of my child after the surgery?
• Can my child with a back injury play sports and participate in physical activities?

Your child still has a lot of growing to do, so you may be wondering how this condition (Congenital Scoliosis) will affect him. Since doctors can't say exactly how it will affect a child, they will do regular tests to monitor changes in the spine as the child grows.

There is a chance that your child will need surgery to treat this condition, because the spine is already developed and the child is still growing. Be sure to discuss any questions or concerns you have with the medical team before and after surgery. This will give you peace of mind. After the treatment and recovery period, children with a spine can still play with their friends and have the fun of childhood.

Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)

• You are not alone: ​​It is normal for parents to feel a lot of questions and fears in this situation. But remember, doctors and medical staff are there to help and guide you.
• Regular monitoring is important: It is very important to have your child's condition checked regularly by a doctor. This will allow the necessary treatment to be given on time.
• There are treatments: There are treatments for this condition, especially surgery, which can control the back pain and help the child live a normal life.
• Consider the child's mental health: This situation may have a psychological impact on the child. Be aware of that as well, and seek professional help if necessary.
• Children can play and have fun: After proper treatment and management, these children can be happy and active just like other children.

I hope this information is helpful to you. If you have any further questions, please feel free to talk to your doctor.

` Spinal curvature, congenital scoliosis, scoliosis, pediatrics, spine, vertebrae