Two types of scoliosis can occur in adulthood.

 

 

ADULT IDIOPATHIC SCOLIOSIS formed in childhood, as a result of treatment neglect adds degenerative changes with age progression.

ADULT IDIOPATHIC SCOLIOSIS affected by degenerative changes diagnosed after 45-50 years of age.

 

ADULT IDIOPATHIC SCOLIOSIS

 

In some cases, childhood scoliosis may continue to progress during adulthood. Curvatures detected in childhood and those over 45 - 50 degrees are more likely to progress in adulthood. These types of curvature can be seen anywhere in the spine (back, lower back or both). Because these curvatures form during childhood, they can curve to higher degrees in adulthood. In addition, complaints can occur related to added degenerative changes;

 

lower back and / or back pain

pain in the legs

numbness in the legs, tingling

failure to stabilize the spine especially on the sagittal plane of spine therefore dorsal and lumbar muscles fatigue quickly

 

ADULT DEGENERATIVE SCOLIOSIS

 

DE NOVO (new) is defined as scoliosis. It can occur as a result of degenerative changes in people aged over 45-50 who haven't had any curvatures before.

 

These types of curvature are mostly;

 

seen in the lumbar region

curvature degree is not very high

lower back and leg pains may be at the forefront

lumbar slippage, lumbar hernia and spinal stenosis

since the spine balance is disturbed, patient has difficulty in standing in upright.

in order to stand upright patient may need to bend his knees and hips.

Degenerative changes may cause nerve compression, therefore it may cause loss of strength in the legs.

 

 

HOW IT IS DIAGNOSED?

 

SCOLIOSIS X-ray is the most important diagnostic tool as in childhood cases

MRI scan is needed if there are lower back and leg pains in the forefront

Computed tomography may be required in cases where MRI cannot be fılmed or the bone structure needs detailed examination.

 

TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR ADULT SCOLIOSIS

 

Surgical options in both types of adult scoliosis are similar.

 

 

NON-OPERATIONAL TREATMENT OPTIONS

 

medical treatment; pain relievers, muscle relaxants. should be used with caution because very strong painkillers can create addiction

physical therapy and exercise; for strengthening and increasing flexibility of back and lower back muscles.

corset; can be applied to reduce short-term complaints. long-term use causes weakening of muscles

injections; can be applied for lower back pains that especially cause leg pain and does not respond to painkillers. temporarily effective. Not recommended for frequent use.

SURGICAL TREATMENT

 

depends on the type and degree of curvature, whether there are degenerative changes (spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, etc.).

if the curvature is above 40 degrees, if it is progressive.

still reoccuring complaints despite non-surgical treatment or gone worse.

Decompression: low degree curvature, applied to patients whose main complaint is leg pain. It is not an attempt to correct a curvature. However, it may cause the curvature to progress.

Stabilization and fusion: are applied using instrument (platinum) to correct the curvature and to stop its progression. If decompression surgery is required it can be applied simultaneously

Osteotomy: cutting bones in severe and non-flexible curvatures or removing a part of the vertebra.