Salem has scoliosis

[Guest guest]

Well, we just got home from our annual orthopedics checkup. I am

sure glad that we go every year! When was 5 years old, the

spinal x-ray was pretty normal, and then 8 years old, the x-rays

showed about a 5 degree curve, but he wasn't worried.

Unfortunately, 2 years later today, the xray was obviously a

backwards C, a 12 degree curve.

He is the second in command at Children's Hospital, and he really

emphathized a couple things that he wanted me to tell of you. ANY

child with RSS/SGA who shows up with scoliosis should be seen and

treated by a " pediatric orthopedic surgeon who specialized in spinal

disorders. " He said that there are many peds endos who do broken

legs/arm type of stuff, and that the technology for treatment of

scoliosis and kyphosis is changing/advancing literally every month.

He just got back last weekend from an International conference on

scoliosis.

He did explain again that GH does not cause scoliosis, but rather

causes rapid growth in a child who is predisposed for scoliosis.

That the child would undoubtedly had gotten scoliosis as a teen in

rapid growth, and that the GH makes the rapid growth occur earlier.

He also said that he wants to see her in 6 months -- if the degrees

have advanced, then we will talk about treatment options. But he

also warned us that for a child whose original xrays were 0 degrees,

then 5 degrees, and now 12, the chance of it continuing to advance

is greater than it stabilizing. Some kids are born with curved

spines, and they stay that same degree.

We have SO many questions, and would love to hear from anyone whose

child has had spinal surgery for scoliosis. The doctor explained

that the latest very large studies (one just published from the

Netherlands) are really indicating surgery over bracing.

is very sad, and promptly went up to her room to do

these " ball exercises " the doctor told her to do to " loosen her back

muscles. "

Anyone with experience, let me know!