Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine, most commonly seen in the thoracic and/or lumbar regions. Scoliosis can occur alone or in combination with kyphosis (humpback; an abnormal curvature from back to front) (kyphoscoliosis). In a normal spine, the vertebrae (bones that make up the spine) run straight from top to bottom, while in a scoliotic spine, they rotate to the right, left, and/or around their own axes.
Scoliosis is much more common in girls. Scoliosis exceeding 30 degrees is ten times more prevalent in young girls than in boys. While the exact number is unknown, it is estimated that there are approximately 1.5 million scoliosis patients in Turkey.

What are the stages of treatment?

Non-Surgical Treatment

Several factors influence the decision on treatment, including the degree of curvature, the type of scoliosis, and the stage of bone growth. Early diagnosis is crucial for successful treatment of scoliosis patients, as starting treatment early positively impacts outcomes.

Surgical Treatment

In patients where growth continues and the curvature exceeds 40 degrees (>40°), surgery is the most appropriate treatment method. Surgical treatment involves straightening the spine using screws and rods placed in the back and/or lower back. Today, advancements in surgical techniques and supportive methods such as neuromonitoring (monitoring spinal cord function) are highly beneficial in reducing complications during surgery and increasing its success rate.