Congenital Scoliosis is a disease caused by a birth defect in the spine. This disease, marked by a lateral curvature of the spine, hampers its longitudinal development. Although Congenital Scoliosis is a rare disease, it can be rectified only through surgery.
A problem in the formation of somites or spinal tissue segments leads to abnormal vertebral development, which in turn causes Congenital Scoliosis. Research shows that this disease does not result from hereditary factors, and even in the case of twins it is very unlikely that both will have the disease. However, research suggests that environmental factors, including smoking and cocaine abuse by pregnant women, may cause congenital Scoliosis in their children. Girls are more prone to develop this disease than boys.
This disease is generally not detected at birth unless an X-ray is taken for another disease. In addition, very few children are born twisted. Therefore, Congenital Scoliosis is detected at a much later age. Although this disease does not cause any pain, only in very few cases does the disease get resolved by itself or not worsen. Braces do not work, and an overwhelming majority of Congenital Scoliosis patients require surgical treatment. Doctors recommend the use of braces after surgery, to protect the spine. Patients need to be screened for other diseases as well. This is because most patients tend to have kidney, spinal cord, or heart problems in conjunction with Congenital Scoliosis.
In most cases, early detection and surgery can solve the problem, and the child\’s growth improves. However, some cases require a second operation. Parents should watch out for warning signs in the form of a little hump on the rib or back, hair along the spine, or a foot problem. A doctor needs to be consulted immediately if any of these signs are noticed.
To conclude, unlike idiopathic Scoliosis, the cause of Congenital Scoliosis is known to doctors. However, further research is necessary to discover means to prevent vertebral abnormalities that cause this disfiguring disease.
