Scoliosis

Diagnosis, monitoring, and surgical correction of spinal curvature in children and adults, Lahore, Pakistan

What is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine curves abnormally to the side, often accompanied by rotation of the vertebrae, giving the back a twisted appearance. A healthy spine has natural front-to-back curves, but no significant side-to-side curve — scoliosis is diagnosed when a sideways curve of 10 degrees or more is measured on X-ray.

The most common form is adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, which develops during the growth spurt of puberty for reasons that are not fully understood. Scoliosis can also be congenital (present from birth due to malformed vertebrae), neuromuscular (associated with conditions like cerebral palsy), or degenerative, developing in adults as the spine's discs and joints wear unevenly with age.

Dr. Waqas Mehdi, FCPS Neurosurgeon at MidCity Hospital Lahore, assesses scoliosis in both paediatric and adult patients, guiding families through observation, bracing referral, or surgical correction depending on the curve's severity and progression.

Signs of Scoliosis to Watch For

!Uneven shoulders — one higher than the other
!One shoulder blade that sticks out more than the other
!Uneven waist or hips
!Visible curve or twist when bending forward
!One side of the ribcage more prominent than the other
!Leaning of the body to one side
!Back pain (more common in adult scoliosis)
!Rapid curve progression during a growth spurt

Types of Scoliosis

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

The most common type, appearing during the growth spurt around ages 10-15, with no single identified cause. Often first noticed by a parent, school screening, or physiotherapist.

Congenital Scoliosis

Present from birth, caused by vertebrae that did not form properly during fetal development. Often diagnosed in infancy or early childhood, sometimes alongside other organ abnormalities.

Neuromuscular Scoliosis

Develops secondary to conditions affecting muscle control of the spine, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy. Curves tend to progress more rapidly and often need earlier surgical intervention.

Adult Degenerative Scoliosis

Develops later in life as intervertebral discs and facet joints degenerate unevenly, causing the spine to curve. Frequently associated with spinal stenosis and back/leg pain in older adults.

Diagnosis

Standing Full-Spine X-ray: The key diagnostic test, used to measure the Cobb angle (the standard measure of curve severity) and to track progression over time with repeat imaging.
MRI Spine: Recommended for atypical curve patterns, rapid progression, or associated neurological symptoms, to rule out an underlying cause such as a spinal cord abnormality or tumor.
Clinical Examination (Adam's Forward Bend Test): A simple bedside test where the patient bends forward, making any rib or waist asymmetry from spinal rotation more visible.

Treatment Options

Observation

For mild curves (typically under 25 degrees) in growing children, regular follow-up X-rays every 4-6 months track whether the curve is stable or progressing.

Bracing

For moderate curves (roughly 25-40 degrees) in a child who is still growing, a brace worn for a prescribed number of hours daily can prevent further progression, though it does not correct an existing curve.

Corrective Spinal Fusion Surgery

For severe curves (generally over 45-50 degrees), rapidly progressing curves, or curves causing pain or breathing difficulty, surgery uses screws and rods to straighten the spine as much as safely possible and fuse it in the corrected position.

Adult Degenerative Scoliosis Management

Treatment is tailored to symptoms — decompression alone for nerve compression, or decompression with fusion/deformity correction when instability or significant imbalance is present.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is scoliosis?
Scoliosis is an abnormal sideways (lateral) curvature of the spine, often combined with rotation of the vertebrae. It can develop in childhood/adolescence (idiopathic scoliosis, the most common type), be present from birth (congenital), or develop in adulthood due to degenerative changes in the spine.
Who treats scoliosis in Lahore?
Dr. Waqas Mehdi, FCPS Neurosurgeon and Assistant Professor at KEMU/Mayo Hospital, Lahore, evaluates scoliosis in both children and adults, and manages cases requiring surgical correction and spinal stabilisation.
Does every case of scoliosis need surgery?
No. Most mild scoliosis curves, especially in growing children, are simply monitored with periodic X-rays. Moderate curves may be treated with bracing to prevent progression. Surgery is generally reserved for severe or rapidly progressing curves, or those causing pain, breathing difficulty, or nerve symptoms.
What is adult degenerative scoliosis?
Adult degenerative (de novo) scoliosis develops later in life as the discs and joints of the spine wear down asymmetrically, causing the spine to curve. It commonly presents with back pain, leg pain, and difficulty standing upright for long periods, and is treated differently from adolescent scoliosis.
What does scoliosis surgery involve?
Surgical correction typically involves spinal instrumentation (screws and rods) to straighten and fuse the curved segment of the spine, restoring a more balanced posture and preventing further progression of the curve.

Noticed a Spinal Curve in Your Child — or Have Back Pain?

Consult Dr. Waqas Mehdi for a full assessment of the curve and a clear plan — whether that's observation, bracing referral, or surgery. MidCity Hospital, Lahore — Mon to Sat, 6–8 PM.

Call: 0300-8482624Book Appointment

Related Conditions & Services

Spine SurgeryPediatric NeurosurgerySpondylolisthesisAbout Dr. Waqas Mehdi

Consult Dr. Waqas Mehdi Today

Pakistan's trusted neurosurgeon for brain tumor surgery, spine surgery, and all complex neurological conditions. Book your appointment at MidCity Hospital, Lahore.

Call: 0300-8482624Book Appointment Online