The nurse sent a note home requesting a scoliosis evaluation. Sarah was happy that she was finally getting her back examined because she does not like the way she looks in a bathing suit or enjoy shopping for fancy dresses for her school dances because the fit is uneven. The spine bends to one side or to both sides at different levels. The exact cause of idiopathic scoliosis is unknown. It often runs in families and is genetic in nature.
Kyphosis is an abnormally increased rounding in the thoracic spine, as viewed from the side.
Sarah's parents have a friend who works for Shriners Hospitals for Children in Philadelphia, so they sought help from the Shriners Pediatric Spine Center of Excellence. When Sarah's mom called, she completed an application over the phone and arranged an appointment for a consultation. Bending films were also taken to test the spine's flexibility. After consulting with the physicians, it was determined that Sarah has idiopathic scoliosis with a curve of 60 degrees. Scoliosis treatment methods include bracing or surgery.