Infantile idiopathic scoliosis

The human spine is formed by individual vertebrae and connective tissue discs in between. The vertebrae form the spinal canal. There are seven cervical, twelve thoracic, and five lumbar vertebrae. The intervertebral discs are the link between the individual vertebral bodies.

The little joints that link the vertebrae together are known as facet joints. They help to stabilize the spine and, together with the intervertebral discs, allow a certain degree of mobility of the spinal cord. The spinal canal should be wide enough to allow nerve roots to float freely in cerebrospinal fluid. The front border of the spinal canal is built by the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs, the side by the intervertebral joints (facets) and back by the ligamentum flavum (yellow band) and vertebral arches. Discs consist of an outer fibrous ring (annulus fibrosus), which surrounds an inner gel-like center (nucleus pulposus). The spinal cord and nerve roots lie within the spinal canal. The spinal cord extends downwards approx. to the 1st lumbar vertebra. Below, only nerve roots are present in the spinal canal. At the level of the intervertebral disc the nerve roots pass through the neural root foramina to exit the spinal canal. The spinal cord and nerve roots conduct electric-like signals from the skin and joints to the brain, and process of movement is initiated from the brain to the muscles.

Infantile idiopatic scoliosis occurs between birth and 3 years of age. The cause of development of infantile scoliosis is not known. Genetic factors, accelerated growth and body posture might play a role. Often associated with plagiocephaly, congenital defects, neural axis abnormalities, thoracic insufficiency syndrome.

Gradually progressing compression of nerve roots

Gradually progressing deformation of the spine

Gradually progressing inflammation and degeneration in the intervertebral joints

Total/partial paralysis and numbness from the site of the spinal cord damage downwoads

Visible spine deformity Chest deformity (protrusion on one side and concavity on the other) Waist asymmetry and pelvic tilt Shoulder height differences Inclined head position

Pain and stiffness along the spine

The treatment may be non-surgical or surgical.

Cobb angle > 50° to 60°

Nonsurgical therapy fails to improve symptoms

Fusion before age of 10 years leads to pulmonary compromise, thus it should be delayed as long as possible.

Correct deformity

Non-fusion procedures (e.g. growing rods) in small children, allow for continued spinal growth.