Ligaments that lie on the convex side of a small spinal curvature may stretch over time. That curvature can increase with continued stress and stretching of the ligaments over time. The immature skeleton of the adolescent which is still compo sed of cartilage may then begin to change shape or remodel as constant abnormal pressure on the young vertebrae distorts their shape. In this fashion, scoliosis can actually change from a functional scoliosis to a structural or deforming type scoliosis. One can see that in the treatment of scoliosis not only is knowledgeable care a must but the clock is always ticking.
Expedient treatment is extremely important.
Small curves due to unleveling may progress quickly. The traditional treatment of scoliosis is to do nothing with curvatures that are less than 20 degrees. At the point where a 20 degree curvature is obtained, usually a Milwaukee brace or other rigid, uncomfortable, self containing brace is worn by the scoliosis patient. It should be understood that braces often do not halt curvatures. When spinal curves reach 40 degrees internal fixation through surgical implantation of metal rods or other devices is performed.