Treatments for Scoliosis

The treatment and management of scoliosis involves bracing or surgery. Scoliosis is monitored regularly and carefully to evaluate progression of the curvature. Treatment is usually reserved for curvatures greater than 20°, while surgery is usually recommended for curvatures greater than 45º-50°.

The goals of treatment for scoliosis include:

Good cosmetic outcome
Avoidance of complications in adulthood, such as lung disease due to restriction of a deformed chest cavity

Treatment involves the following:

Surgery Other treatments—Braces

At this time, there are no medications for the treatment of scoliosis.

References

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://www.aaos.org/ .

Campbell’s Operative Orthopaedics . 10th ed. Mosby; 2003.

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niams.nih.gov/.website . Available at: http://www.niams.nih.gov/.

Scoliosis Research Society website. Available at: http://www.srs.org/ .

Revision Information

Reviewer: Kari Kassir, MD
Review Date: 09/2012
Update Date: 00/92/2012

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.