Scoliosis In Babies – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatments

Does your baby suffer from scoliosis? Are you worried about his health condition? If you can relate to the situation, you should read this post. Here we talk about Scoliosis in babies and how it affect.

What Is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a type of spinal disorder, which seems to affect the spines of the infants. The curvature of the spinal cord may induce intense back pain. The spine has an unusual multidimensional curve. Congenital scoliosis occurs with birth. It may be due to the incorrect formation of the spine. The undeveloped vertebral segments of the spinal cord twist or bend in other directions. As a result, the infant seems to suffer from acute Congenital Scoliosis. (1)

Signs Of Scoliosis In Babies:

The problem of scoliosis is often visible, due to the under-developed vertebral column. Some of the infantile scoliosis symptoms that you will help you identify the problem include:–

• Rib hump or small bump on back

• Stiff or short neck or spine

• Abnormally formed hand, arm or foot

• Difficulty hearing

• Chromosomal abnormalities

• Pain or spasticity in lower extremities

• Genitourinary or renal anomalies or defects
  (2)

[ Read: Brittle Bone Disease In Infants ]

Types Of Scoliosis In Babies:

Small babies or infants suffer from two types of scoliosis:-

1. Congenital Scoliosis:

Congenital scoliosis in infants causes deformation of the spinal cord, due to improper development of the vertebrae. The problem of congenital scoliosis usually occurs in babies from birth and requires proper medical treatment for the correction.

2. Infantile Scoliosis:

Infantile Scoliosis causes lateral deformation of the child’s spine. It usually occurs in toddlers who are three years or below. (3)

[ Read: Symptoms Of Torticollis In Babies ]

Causes Of Scoliosis In Infants:

The improper growth of Spine-Scoliosis in infants occurs due to bone deformity, which persists from birth. The type of scoliosis that usually occurs in infants is Congenital Scoliosis. During the growth period of the baby in the mother’s womb, the pressure exerted by the uterine walls may hinder the proper growth of the spinal cord. The stunted growth can lead to spinal deformity, and the problem of scoliosis grows in infants or new born babies. (4)

Diagnosing Scoliosis In Babies:

Doctors may prescribe several medical examinations, to detect the stage of spine deformity in babies. Some of such medical tests are:-

• X-ray

• Pulmonary function tests

• Computerized tomography scan (CT or CAT scan)

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (especially of the spinal cord)

• Ultrasound (including spinal and renal ultrasound)

[ Read: Bow Legs In Babies ]

Treatment Of Scoliosis In Babies:

If your baby has scoliosis, the treatment procedure depends upon the extent of the spinal curvature. For the large extent of the curve, some of the doctors may suggest for surgical treatment. Some of the effective treatment processes for baby scoliosis are:–

1. Spinal Fusion:

If the spinal curvature is progressing every day; the doctor may suggest implying spinal fusion or other surgical procedures, to rectify the curvature of the spines.

2. Growth Preventing Metal Rods:

If your baby develops a severe curve at very early age, you can treat him with growth-friendly surgical procedures such as growing rods or VEPTR. In this particular surgical process, metal rods are infused, which prevents deformation or curving of the spinal cord. (5)

[ Read: Congenital Heart Disease In Babies ]

When To Seek Medical Advice For Scoliosis?

You may visit the doctor if you encounter the following symptoms of bone deformity in your baby:-

• Shoulders are of uneven heights

• Arms hang beside his body unevenly

• Shoulder blades are of uneven heights or positions

• Have problems with his genitourinary tract

• Has an irregularly shaped hand, arm or foot

• Hips are of uneven heights

Has your newborn baby suffered from the problem of scoliosis, at his early age? What were the treatments suggested by your doctors? How have you dealt with such situations? Do share your experiences about your infant scoliosis with other mommies here!

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