Spinal Disorders Pediatric

The common spine disorders that occur in children are: 

• Congenital muscular torticollis
• Scoliosis
• Kyphosis 
• Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis 
• Spina bifida

It refers to the lateral curvature and rotation of the spine. Most of the cases are idiopathic that is there is no known reason; almost 80% of the cases are idiopathic. The other reasons include congenital or neuromuscular disorders. The main treatment options are usage of braces to maintain the posture and ultimately surgery if braces cannot give the desired result. Spinal bones are fused in surgery.

It refers to the abnormality of the spine causing excessive curvature with severe pain and stiffness. It is also called hunchback, round back or Kelso’s hunchback. The most common causes are postural kyphosis and Scheuermann’s disease. The treatment includes medication to alleviate pain and strengthen bones, physical therapy and sometimes surgery to fuse spinal bones.

It refers to the exposure of the spinal column because of malformed vertebrae. It is a congenital defect and is more common in females. Usually the treatment includes medications, self-care and sometimes surgery to alleviate neurological symptoms.

The usual symptoms of congenital spinal deformities are:

• Abnormal curvature of the back. The back might be twisted also. This can be on either side or forward or backward
• Uneven shoulders, waistline, hips or legs
• Tilted pelvis
• Difficulty in walking or breathing