 |
|
|
|
 |
|
||
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
Scoliosis & Spine Deformity Center
|
|
Meet Amy H. By age 13 her double major curve had severely limited her lifestyle, but look at her now! At Spine Associates, we are involved in all aspects of scoliosis support. We are a team committed to provide the highest quality of care in the diagnosis and treatment of scoliosis and spine deformity.
You are not alone in your journey of living with scoliosis. There are many common issues facing every scoliosis patient, yet your personal story and experience with scoliosis is unique. We are here to provide answers, solutions and support along your road to getting back to normal.
Dr. Richard Francis has become one of the true leaders in the scoliosis care and treatment ‐ for women, men, and children. He is also one of the few surgeons in the nation that performs scoliosis revision surgery and reconstructive surgery on children and adults who have had unsuccessful treatment in the past. The recent addition of Mazor Robotics surgical guidance system, is just another example of Dr. Francis’ leadership role in seeking out and adopting advanced technologies that place additional options on the table when deciding on the best course of treatment for each individual patient.
About Scoliosis
Scoliosis is one of the more common diseases of the spine, affecting 12 million people worldwide. It is a curvature of the spine that affects all age groups, though mostly adolescents. No matter what age a person is, scoliosis can impact the quality of life with reduced respiratory function, limited physical activity, pain, or diminished self‐esteem. Fortunately, we have found that through early detection and treatment advances, the worst effects of scoliosis can be avoided. The majority of these individuals have few problems, but for a small percentage of individuals with progressive curvature, the problems can be very severe. A particularly debilitating form of the disease produces incapacitating pain and progressive deformity of the spine. In untreated cases, there is a disfiguring curve and often a large ump in the back. Patients with this form of scoliosis have increasing difficulty exercising as they get older and are limited by pain. Some have difficulty breathing as the disease progresses. Only some people will need surgery, but for those who do, Dr. Richard Francis brings extraordinary expertise and skill to a most complex area of spine surgery.
According to Dr. Francis, "The general public doesn't know what we can do for scoliosis. Most people, including scoliosis patients, believe the problem is treated as an adolescent by wearing a back brace. What they don't realize is that in many cases it continues to get worse. They go to their family doctor in pain and frustration, only to be told that as an adult few options exist."
Scoliosis At A Glance
- Scoliosis is an abnormal curve in the spine.
- There are several types of scoliosis based on the cause and age when the curve develops.
- Depending on the severity of the curve and the risk for it getting worse, scoliosis can be treated with observation, bracing, or surgery.
Facts and Tips about Scoliosis
The following tips are from Kamiah A. Walker, Medical Writer for SpineUniverse in Wheaton, IL:
- You're 20% more likely to develop scoliosis if someone else in your family also has scoliosis.
- In 80% of scoliosis cases, the cause is unknown-that's known as idiopathic scoliosis.
- Scoliosis is usually painless.
- Girls are at least four times as likely to develop scoliosis as boys…and doctors don't know why that is.
- 96% of adolescents with scoliosis continue to play sports.