#ScoliWarrior

June is Scoliosis Awareness month and in honor of all of those who are Scoliosis Strong and our own little Scoli Warrior, I will be posting some info throughout the month. Please share with family and friends so that we can promote early detection and treatment!

    Progressive Idiopathic Infantile Scoliosis is found in about 1% of the idiopathic (no known cause) scoliosis population in children. When scoliosis is detected in the juvenile and adolescent years, it is most commonly detected in females. However, about 60% of all infantile idiopathic cases are male. Less than .1% have curves that measure greater than 40 degrees and Hunter is in that .1% 
    Our Hunterman began his scoli casting journey at age 17 months with a 60 degree curve. He is now holding at 18 degrees in cast #8. If you have been following his journey or are just joining us, Hunter wears a Mehta plaster cast that stays in place for 2 month periods in hopes that it will correct his curve as he grows. The goal of the Mehta casting treatment is to use the child's growth to gently correct the curve. Early detection is imperative to treat and correct the curvature of the spine and to prevent any organ deformation and lung compression. Children who are diagnosed with PIS-Progressive Infantile Scoliosis have a short timeframe for corrective treatment and it is crucial to attempt to begin casting before 24 months of age, if at all possible. The best results occur when casting begins prior to 12 months of age. After the 24 month mark, growth and progress slows. 

  I, like many people, was only accustomed to seeing teens and adults with scoliosis. However, it is so important to be informed and know the signs of Progressive Infantile Scoliosis in young children. PIS is life threatening if not diagnosed early and treated appropriately. Know the signs and share!

http://www.infantilescoliosis.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/ISOP_screening_guide.pdf