About Scoliosis Kids Australia
Our Aims with early treatment awareness.
The content presented by our association is information provided by our members and is intended to support, and not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient and their doctor.
Progressive infantile scoliosis can be a serious, life threatening, debilitating disease. The child's spine curves laterally (sideways) with associated rotation to the vertebral body to one side. It causes the ribs attached to the curve segment to become prominent. Progressive infantile scoliosis may look innocuous, but progressive scoliosis is driven by growth, and the older the child gets, the bigger the curve gets.
Progressive infantile scoliosis, if left to progress, may impact on the lungs, heart and internal organs, ultimately placing the child at risk of cardio respiratory failure, ventilator dependency, deformity, thoracic insufficiency syndrome and even premature death. Thankfully, there is a treatment available with the aim of resolving the curve in the early stages of an infant's life. It is important to note that every child's case is different and not all scoliotic curves are able to be resolved; however, prompt treatment will ensure the best possible outcome for the child.
SCOLIOSIS KIDS AUSTRALIA AIMS TO PROVIDE ACCURATE AND BALANCED INFORMATION TO PARENTS/CAREGIVERS AND THE MEDICAL COMMUNITY ALIKE ON THE NECESSITY AND IMPORTANCE OF EARLY TREATMENT FOR PROGRESSIVE INFANTILE/JUVENILE SCOLIOSIS.
With early treatment, a progressive infantile scoliotic spine can be reversed and resolved. Not every child will be a candidate for early treatment. However, the best expected outcome for progressive infantile scoliosis is when treatment begins under the age of 24 months, in the form of serial plaster jackets, specialized medical equipment and formal training. Through the dedication of health professionals, Dr Min H Mehta's revolutionary treatment is saving many childrens lives world wide. The "EARLY TREATMENT PROCESS" harnesses the childs rapid growth as a corrective force via the plaster jackets, averting needless suffering, and, in successful cases, returns the spine to it's original straight state.
SCOLIOSIS KIDS AUSTRALIA AIMS TO RAISE AWARENESS OF EARLY TREATMENT VIA OUR GLOBAL OUTREACH CAMPAIGN. WE AIM TO LIASE WITH CHILDRENS HOSPITALS NOT ONLY THROUGHOUT AUSTRALIA, BUT WORLDWIDE TO ASSIST THE HOSPITALS IN FUNDING APPROPRIATE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT, TRAINING AND EDUCATION OF THE EARLY TREATMENT PROCESS.
In general, a negative outlook of "observing" or "watching and waiting" the spines relentless curvature and rotation, is given to most parents as the first treatment option, wasting the precious window of opportunity where correct casting techniques could successfully resolve or control the curve. TLSO bracing has not been scientifically proven to alter the nature of a curve, with the curve progressing once the child is removed from the brace. In Australia, most hospitals employ a TLSO brace as a treatment and use casting (or in some cases, not at all) as a last resort, by which time the casting process is unable to effectively achieve satisfactory results. As a result, casting has been viewed as an ineffective and backwards treatment option.
SCOLIOSIS KIDS AUSTRALIA INC AIMS TO DESSIMINATE THE TRUTH ABOUT CASTING AND EARLY TREATMENT AND AIMS TO PROVIDE INFORMATION TO HOSPITALS.
Many families are not even aware of "the early treatment process" using plaster jackets and opt for the choice of bracing and then surgery when the curve becomes unmanageable and out of control. There have even been cases where families have sought treatment in the United States and the United Kingdom as they were not made aware of the "early treatment process" right here in Australia.
None of this is meant as a criticism of our health care professionals. It is understandable, in these days of rapid development, that it does take time for knowledge to filter down to where it is needed. Also, it is not our intention to encourage parents to go one way or the other. Each case of progressive infantile/juvenile scoliosis is as unique as the child it affects, and only those directly involved have the right to choose what is best for their circumstances. However, it is vital that facts are available to families to allow them to make informed decisions for their children.
Being confronted with any defect is extremely stressful. Parents, that more than likely, have never heard of conditions such as infantile/juvenile scoliosis are bombarded with information and have to settle on what is best for their child. This, together with feelings that may include anger, guilt, disbelief and the prospect of having to face surgeries can be overwhelming. We believe parents should not have to face these issues on their own.
SCOLIOSIS KIDS AUSTRALIA INC AIM TO SUPPORT FAMILIES THROUGH OUR NETWORK OF VOLUNTEERS. THERE ARE PARENTS IN MOST STATES THAT ARE EAGER TO HELP OTHERS WHO FIND THEMSELVES IN SIMILAR SITUATIONS. WE ALSO PROVIDE CONTACT INFORMATION FOR OTHER SUPPORT GROUPS SUCH AS ISOP (INFANTILE SCOLIOSIS OUTREACH PROGRAME), ARISE AND SCOLIOSIS AUSTRALIA
As a support group, we welcome comments and suggestions from anyone involved in the care of these special children. The more people that participate, the more effective we can be in helping others deal with the challenges faced by those that are living with PROGRESSIVE INFANTILE/JUVENILE SCOLIOSIS.