Health News - Scoliosis in Children,Dr.Krishnakumar, Cochin,Spine surgeon

UPDATE June 2016- Dr Krishnakumar joins VPS Lakeshore Hospital,Cochin,Kerala,India as consultant spine surgeon

What is Scoliosis? Diagnosis & Treatment of Scoliosis by Dr Krishnakumar, Spine surgeon

UPDATE June 2016- Dr Krishnakumar joins VPS Lakeshore Hospital,Cochin,Kerala,India as consultant spine surgeon kkspine.imhs.in

About me

I am a Spine surgeon and Clinical Associate Professor and Spine Unit Chief in the Department of Orthopaedics (Division of Spine Surgery) in Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Cochin, India . I am fellowship-trained in  Spine Surgery from Washington University (Scoliosis Research Society Fellowship),USA,Singapore General Hospital,  and Ganga Hospital, India.
I am involved in assessment and management of patients in outpatient and spine clinic setting.Training AO Spine International Fellows, National Spine Fellows and Postgraduate residents
I  have interest in scoliosis surgery, deformity surgeries, spine tumours, spinal stenosis and microdiscectomy.
I
Member:  AO Spine India( Delegate), Association of Spine Surgeons of India, SICOT, IOA, KOA, Kerala Spine Forum.

Awards & Training
2013 Eurospine Travelling Spine Fellowship

2013 ISSLS International Spine Fellowship received at 40th Annual Meeting of ISSLS, Scottsdale,AZ,USA
2013 -Scoliosis Research Society,USA- Robert Winter Spine Fellowship.
2012- Scoliosis Research Society,USA-Global Outreach Spine fellowship.
2012-IASA Visiting Spine Physician to Rush University and Loyola Medical Centre,Chicago
2012-IOA Spine fellow
2009-SGH Clinical Spine fellow, SGH,Singapore

What is 
Scoliosis in simple words means abnormal bend of the spine.

What are the types of scoliosis?
Congenital scoliosis- Child is born with deformed spine
Neuromuscular scoliosis- Scoliosis due to neuromuscular diseases eg cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy
Idiopathic scoliosis- Scoliosis developing without any cause.

Which is the most common type of scoliosis?

Idiopathic scoliosis, which is again 3 types
1)Infantile- in chilren <4years
2)Juvenile Idiopathic Scoliosis- 4-10years
3)Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis- >10 years, which is the most common type ,seen more in girls around pubertal age group

How does the back of a scoliosis person looks like?
It is better seen when looking at the back of the person. One shoulder may be at a higher level, there may be a cleft between the rib cage and pelvis, one hip bone may be more prominent.There may be bulging of chest wall in front as well. When the person bends forward , a hump could be seen. You can appreciate this in the photographs

I am 13 years and I have scoliosis,so what next?
So, you have Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis(AIS).Get yourself examined by a orthopaedic spine surgeon. He would order Xrays and decide your treatment .
If your curve is <20-25 degrees, you need to be observed and periodic Xrays should be taken at every 6 months.
If your curve is >25 but <40-45 you could use a spinal brace to possibly prevent further worsening of the curve,but the bracing will not correct the existing curve.
If your curve is>45-50 degrees, surgical correction is recommended.