Scoliosis 4 degrees - a combination of a very strong curvature of the spine with severe disorders of the internal organs. As a rule, this degree of scoliosis is associated with significant back pain and requires complex treatment in the form of surgery followed by prolonged rehabilitation.

How is scoliosis of the 4 degree

Scoliosis Grade 4 is a combination of lateral curvature of the spine from 60˚ to 90˚ and more with a chest deformity Deformation of the chest: congenital and acquired - What is the danger?   and pelvis and a violation of the function of internal organs. The deformation of the spine alters the normal ratio of the body of the patient. Most often it develops pronounced kyphoscoliosis (rib hump - a protrusion of the chest back) in the thoracic region. Less commonly it may be lordoskolioz (chest deflection forward).

Against the background of these changes reduced the volume of the thorax, increased pressure in the pulmonary circulation, increases shortness of breath develops so-called kifoskolioticheskoe heart, there is the heart and respiratory failure.

Signs of scoliosis of the 4 degree

When scoliosis of the 4 degree arc of curvature of the spine usually has an S-shaped bend (that is, consists of two arcs directed in opposite directions). Less common Z-shaped bend (three arcs of curvature). At this stage also significantly expressed torsion (twisting) of the vertebrae.

Changes in scoliosis grade 4 can be seen even when the patient is fully clothed. He has one shoulder higher than the other, the back hump sticks (usually on one side), creates the appearance of skewed basin shortening of one lower limb.

Patients concerned about the constant varying intensity (the degree of pain is individual) back pain, worse at the slightest exertion, a constant feeling of fatigue, decreased performance. There is also increasing shortness of breath, and in violation of the cardiovascular system there is a risk of pulmonary edema.

Diagnosis and treatment of scoliosis of the 4 degree

Like any other degree of scoliosis, scoliosis Scoliosis - when the spine is curved   Grade 4 is detected during the inspection of traumatologist orthopaedist and confirmed by radiographic examination of the spine. In addition, be sure to explore the state of internal organs - severe violations of their functions is an indication for surgical treatment of scoliosis.

Effective treatment of scoliosis Scoliosis: treatment and prevention   4 degrees can only be operative. Fully cured scoliosis of the 4 degree possible only with the aid operation carried out before the age of 10-11 years. But sometimes the patient does not consent to the operation, in such a case is assigned to complex conservative treatment, the aim of which is to stabilize the patient's condition and strengthening the muscles of the back and abdomen, support the spine. Conservative treatment involves patients wearing a special, custom-made for the individual measures of orthopedic corset, individual therapeutic exercises classes, courses of massage, physiotherapy, acupuncture Reflexology - a policy of non-drug therapies   and medication to relieve pain and muscle spasms in the back.

Surgical treatment of scoliosis of the 4 degree

The presence of a 4 degree of scoliosis patient has an indication for surgical intervention.

Scoliosis in adults (ie, patients with completed growth) is more difficult and complex problem than in children and adolescents. This is due to the connection of their secondary degenerative changes in the spine (ie effects of degenerative disc disease), leading to the further progression of the deformation, the development of persistent pain, worsening of functional disorders on the part of the chest cavity.

Today there are several common methods such operations. The basis of all operations on the spine for scoliosis is bone-plastic spine fixation. Today, this fixation is carried out by means of stable and dynamic hardware (implants).

Stable structure established primarily adult patients, after 25 years, which has ended the growth of skeleton. This usually results in stabilization of the pathological process. Aligning warp also possible using the bone graft material which is taken as a rule of the thigh of the patient or the donor material used. Yet eliminate scoliosis of the 4 degree impossible even with surgical treatment: too great a risk of spinal cord injury.

For the treatment of scoliosis in children 4 degrees is usually applied dynamic design - the implant, which after installation on the spine of the child, as it grows with them, without interfering with the growth of the spine and without the need for additional operations.

Scoliosis 4 degrees effectively treated only with surgery.

Galina Romanenko

A common problem that occurs in childhood is scoliosis. Incorrect position of the spine at an early age leads to serious problems in adulthood. Scoliosis can and should be treated, the choice of method depends on the age of the patient.

Treatment of scoliosis in children

With very mild forms of scoliosis in children Scoliosis in children - is treatable, but can progress rapidly   it is likely that over time it will be on his own. In this case, the doctor may choose to monitor the development of the disorder.

For detailed control over the condition of the patient is necessary to carry out X-ray examination at least once every six months.

• Plastic Corset

To correct scoliosis in young children can be used a plastic corset, which is attached to the body of the child. It is necessary to wear continuously for quite a long time. Corsets regularly change that a child could grow and develop normally. Because of the design of such corsets, children under two years of changed every two or three months, under anesthesia. However, there is a strong likelihood that after treatment with plastic braces for further correction of scoliosis child have to wear conventional braces.

• Jockstrap

With strong curvature of the spine (at an angle of more than 20 degrees) require the wearing of a bandage. Bandage can not cure scoliosis, but it will stop further curvature.

It is necessary to carefully select the band allowing for the child's spine. For this we first remove the plastic corset.

It is usually recommended to wear a brace 23 hours a day, that is, it can be removed, just to take a shower or bath. The bandage should not interfere with the daily activities of a person, and it can be worn in the classroom by a majority of non-contact sports. If a child is engaged in contact sports, band, as a rule, it is recommended to take at the time of exercise.

Regular exercise is very important for children who wear a bandage. This will help strengthen the muscles, wearing a brace to make more comfortable and, ultimately, improve the treatment of scoliosis.

Ties have to wear as long as the child's body is still growing. As a rule, the boys stopped about 17 years, the girls of about 15 years.

• Surgical treatments

Severe scoliosis (curvature of the spine by more than 50 degrees) require surgical intervention.

Surgery may help prevent the development of disorders of the heart and lungs, and relieve back pain and prevent the abnormal development of the body of the child.

During the complex operation that lasts from four to eight hours, straighten the spine by means of metal staples. After surgery, the child brought to the intensive care unit where he is, usually within 24 hours. In total it will have to stay in hospital for 7 to 10 days. Most children can return to school after four to six weeks, and fully engage in sports - a year after the operation.

Treatment of scoliosis in adults

First means for scoliosis treatment in adults are generally drugs to alleviate symptoms of the disorder.

• Medications

In most cases, effectively helping paracetamol Paracetamol - is effective for moderate pain   and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. If scoliosis causing extreme pain, it may be needed prescription painkillers.

• Physical exercise

According to studies, regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes per week) to help correct mild forms of scoliosis and relieve back pain Back pain: Do not start the process . Should choose the type of loads that do not exert strong pressure on the spine; especially useful for scoliosis swimming.

• Corsets

Corsets not help correct scoliosis Scoliosis - when the spine is curved   in adults, but may greatly alleviate pain and discomfort. It should be noted, however, that wearing a corset is associated with some discomfort and possibly, you should choose another method of treatment.

• Surgery

Due to the high risk associated with surgery for the treatment of scoliosis in adults, it can be recommended only under the following conditions:

• Scoliosis is accompanied by severe pain, which fail conservative treatments;
• Curvature of the spine progresses and, if left untreated, can cause damage to the heart and lungs.

The main methods of surgical treatment of scoliosis are:

• Decompression - if the pain caused by scoliosis pinching a nerve root, a part of the intervertebral disc is removed, and the pain usually goes away.
• Straightening the spine using staples made of artificial materials. The surgery is performed almost as well as in children, but for adults it is more dangerous. Approximately 30% of cases with the help of the operation fails to achieve significant pain relief and adult patients with scoliosis. Furthermore, there is a risk of infection, blood clots, and retrograde ejaculation. Sometimes one of the results of the operation becomes nerve damage, but fortunately, these complications are rare.