" (How is it diagnosed?) The second theory that has support among medical practitioners is that "...postnatal external pressures are exerted on the spine after birth, perhaps due to an infant being positioned on his/her back for extended periods of time in the crib." (How is it diagnosed?) This theory is supported by the high incidence of this condition in Europe where there is a tradition of carrying infants on the back.

Another view of the cause of this condition that is attracting attention is that scoliosis is largely genetically determined. This is supported by the view that this condition tends to occur within certain families; which suggests the possibility of a genetic component. This view is also supported by research that suggests that the gene that leads to scoliosis has been discovered. A recent report states that a defect in a certain gene known as CHD7 can lead to, "...C- and S-shaped curves that characterize scoliosis." (Scientists identify first gene linked to scoliosis)

3. Diagnosis

In technical terms, Scoliosis is technically defined "...by the presence of a lateral curvature in the spine of >10 degrees deviation from straight upright." (Scoliosis, Kyphosis and Spine Deformity) in more practical terms, infantile scoliosis is commonly detected by observation in the first six months using a standard medial physical examination. It is often noticed by the parents as well. (Scoliosis, Kyphosis and Spine Deformity)

If this condition is suspected the initial examination is followed by more extensive neurological examination, as well as examination of the extremities. Furthermore, "...A spinal MRI, a sophisticated radiological imaging technique, is essential to confirm the findings of the neurological exam and rule out other potential causes of scoliosis." (Scoliosis, Kyphosis and Spine Deformity)

4. Treatment

In general there are at present three main treatment procedures that are applied. These are - observation, bracing, and surgical correction. However, it is also important to note that the type and most appropriate form of treatment for the particular patient depends on a number of variables, such as the severity of the spinal...

(Scoliosis, Kyphosis and Spine Deformity)
Bracing has been found to be particularly effective in the treatment of infants who are identified with Scoliosis.

Another related method that is applied is the use of castings to correct the spinal curvature. "The cast is made of plaster or fiberglass, and is applied in the operating room under general anesthesia..." (Scoliosis, Kyphosis and Spine Deformity) the cast are replaced later by more permanent braces in order or maintain the correct angle of the spine. (Scoliosis, Kyphosis and Spine Deformity)

Surgery is sometimes used to correct this condition if the spinal curvature is extensive. This method is also applicable to skeletally immature patients. Metal rods may also be used and are attached to the spine to maintain the curve correction. (Scoliosis, Kyphosis and Spine Deformity) of course, as many experts state, the best form of treatment would be to find a cure. "We would certainly like to have a better treatment for young children than the brace; a better corrective method than surgery. Understanding the cause is the first step in finding a cure." (Sponseller) Modern research is intensively engaged in finding the central cases of this condition in the hope that a cure can be achieved in the near future.

References

How is it diagnosed? Retrieved October 11, at http://www.childrensorthopaedics.com/sksd.html

King E. And Sarwark J. A Look at Scoliosis. Retrieved October 11, at http://www.childsdoc.org/spring2002/lookscoliosis.asp

Scientists identify first gene linked to scoliosis." Retrieved October 11, at http://medicineworld.org/news/news-archives/rheumatology-news/Nov-15-2007.html

Scoliosis. Retrieved October 11, at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001241.htm

Scoliosis, Kyphosis and Spine Deformity. Retrieved October 11, at http://www.childrensorthopaedics.com/sksd.html

Sponseller P. (2003)

Finding the Cause: Where Are We in 2003? A Call for Action. Retrieved October 11, at http://www.scoliosis.org/resources/callforaction.php

Scoliosis