New diagnosis

[DeeElle]

We discovered a lump along 11 yr old DD's lower spine recently. GP thought it was a result of falling off the trapeze some months ago.

We had an ultrasound, followed by X-Rays. Report says she has an underlying spinal curve in the lumbar resulting in prominence of the paraspinal muscles.

They found a shallow curve convex to the left from T6-7 to T12-L1 (estimated 27 degrees), with mild rotation only, and in the lumbar spine convex to the left estimated at 29 degrees (T12-L1 to L4-5). Shallow curve in the upper crevicothoracic regions convex to left. They can't see any paraspinal or soft tissue abnormality or congenital vertebral abnormality.

They did report a straightening of the thoracic kyphos and lumbar lordosis and an Schmorl's node at the superior end plate L2.

Conclusion: idiopathic adolescent scoliosis with dextroscoliosis in the thoracic spine and levoscoliosis in the lumbar spine.

This was very difficult to hear, but am trying very hard to keep a positive view as DD is worried about it. I've read enormous amounts on this forum and others and managed to frighten myself dreadfully.

We can't get into paediatric ortho specialist until February, so I'm wondering if this kind of diagnosis is unusual for IAS? As a complete novice to this, I understood thoracic curves to the left might be more sinister?? However the conclusion is dextroscoliosis in the thoracic which I belive means right curve? Im a bit confused as this seems to be saying different things. I'm expecting a brace but the GP couldn't really say much except DD looks symmetrical and they'll probably treat it conservatively, that plenty of people have scoliosis and lead perfectly normal fulfilling lives.

[DeeElle]

oh, and DD is very flexible, can touch toes with flat of hands and is an aerial circus performer. Had a few problems with cartwheels which is no doubt due to the IAS.

[Dr Scoliosis]

Dear DeeElle,

Thanks for your question. Your daughter has a double scoliosis of fairly small dimensions.

The curves are "typical" being "dextro", or to the right in the thoracic spin, and "levo", left in the lumbar spine. So, they are not sinister and fit well with the idiopathic presentation.

However, given that she is only 11, she probably has 3 years of growth left. This means that the curves are very likely to get bigger.

Therefore, DD has the type of curves where bracing would generally be recommended. This is to stop the scoliosis worsening. Bracing has an 80% success rate if it is worn properly.

I would not get too worried about this. Many girls get braced and manage well, but it is a nuisance.

I would not trawl the Net too far - the information can be confusing or plain wrong. Other helpful websites include www.srs.org
and www.sauk.org.uk

February is not too long to wait for an appointment, but bracing, if decided upon , should be commenced as soon as possible afterwards.

Dr Scoliosis