Scoliosis is one of the most common spinal deformities in the world, with researchers estimating it to affect up to 5.2% of the population. It’s an abnormal curving of the spine in a “C” or “S” shape of at least 10 degrees. In more severe cases, it can cause extreme pain, discomfort, and physical limitations.
This blog explores some of the innovative scoliosis treatment options available and the directions future research is exploring. This blog will also tackle the benefits and challenges of implementing these new treatments.
Overview of the Causes and Current Treatments for Scoliosis
Before diving into the new, it’s best to understand what people understand about the condition and the currently available treatments.
Causes of scoliosis
Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common type. These cases have no definite cause. You can divide them into the patient’s age groups, from infant to adult. When doctors understand the reason, they can either be congenital, cases that are apparent since birth, or neurological, cases where nerve abnormalities affect muscles in the spine.
Current treatments for scoliosis
Which scoliosis treatment a patient can get depends on several factors, but mainly the physician discovers the condition, the type of curve, and the angle of the curve.
1. Bracing
Bracing means wearing a plastic or metal brace to prevent the spine from curving more as a person grows. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), it’s typically only prescribed for patients who are still growing and with a curve between 25 and 40 degrees.
This practice can be somewhat uncomfortable, depending on the type of brace, but it has shown effectiveness in preventing cases from worsening.
2. Surgery
Surgery typically involves inserting metal rods to help guide the spine back to a more acceptable curvature or fusing spine segments to prevent the condition from worsening.
There are many different types of surgery. Sometimes, the patient may need follow-up surgeries to adjust or replace the implanted rods.
AANS doctors typically reserve surgery for more severe cases. In children, doctors recommend this procedure only when the spinal curve degree is greater than 40 and has signs of progressing. In adults, doctors only recommend surgery when the curvature is greater than 50 degrees and if the patient is experiencing symptoms affecting the lower half of the body.
New Technologies in Scoliosis Treatment
Thankfully, experts are doing various research to improve the current scoliosis treatment methods.
1. Vertebral body tethering (VBT)
Vertical body tethering is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that involves placing a flexible cord along the length of the curved spine. Doctors then tighten the thread to straighten the spine gradually. Unlike traditional spinal fusion surgery, VBT allows for continued growth and flexibility of the spine. Studies show that this method is effective in adolescents.
2. Growing rods
Growing rods are a relatively new type of implant that doctors can adjust without invasive surgery. They allow the rods to lengthen along with the child, reducing the need for invasive surgeries.
The first type uses screws that doctors can adjust to lengthen the rod as the child grows. Adjusting the screws is a non-invasive procedure.
The second type is Magnetic Expansion Control (MAGEC) or magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR). Doctors can adjust MAGEC rods using a magnetic field, which doesn’t require surgery.
3. Custom 3D-printed braces
With the advent of 3D printing, it’s now much easier for people to access custom-fitted braces. Using a computerized model of a patient’s spine, orthopedists can apply pressure for each patient’s case more precisely, making braces much more comfortable.
This is essential for improving compliance and patient comfort, considering that patients need to wear their brace for as much as 23 hours a day.
Future Research in Scoliosis Treatment
As research in scoliosis treatment continues to advance, there are exciting possibilities for new options and potential cures.
1. Genetics and scoliosis
Advances in genetic research have led to a better understanding of the underlying causes of idiopathic scoliosis. Researchers are working to identify specific genes that could be associated with the condition and develop targeted therapies based on this information.
2. Stem cell therapy
Stem cell therapy has shown promise in treating various conditions, including scoliosis. This therapy may help patients handle pain symptoms and prevent the spinal curve from worsening.
3. Artificial disc replacement
This surgical procedure involves replacing a damaged or diseased disc in the spine with an artificial one, potentially 3D printed or made of metal. This treatment option could benefit patients with scoliosis who have severe disc degeneration.
4. Non-invasive treatment options
Researchers are looking for non-invasive methods to treat or prevent the worsening of scoliosis cases. Certain types of physical therapy have some effect by helping to strengthen the muscles surrounding the spine and improving flexibility. Electrostimulation can help with pain symptoms and even reverse spinal curvature.
Benefits and Challenges of New Technologies and Future Research
The development of new technologies and the ongoing research into scoliosis diagnosis and treatment offer clear benefits for improving treatment quality and time. They may also help find ways to identify scoliosis in patients more quickly and, eventually, find the root cause of the many idiopathic scoliosis cases in the world.
However, as with all research and technological developments, some challenges and drawbacks exist. New treatment methods may be prohibitively expensive until the infrastructure exists to produce enough of the necessary equipment and materials, limiting their accessibility.
Hospitals and other treatment centers may struggle to acquire such cutting-edge treatment methods. Another thing to consider is that because these techniques are so new, the potential long-term effectiveness and side effects are still mostly theoretical and under observation. A promising treatment may have potentially harmful side effects long-term.
The Spinal Frontier
There is hope for the future of scoliosis treatment. By addressing some drawbacks and continuing to invest in research and development, the field of scoliosis treatment can continue to evolve, providing better patient outcomes.
If you have scoliosis, it’s critical that you are up-to-date with advancements in scoliosis treatment to explore all available options.