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2. disease
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Easter Seals South Florida, Inc.
Feel good about giving
www.southflorida.easterseals.com
301 NW 103rd Avenue
Pembroke Pines, Fl 33026
954.450.6888 telephone
954-447-1730 fax
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2009-2010
OFFICERS
Paul D. Bianco
Chair
Carlos Ojeda
Vice Chair
Nancy J. Ansley
Treasurer
Eugenia McCrea
Secretary
Felipe Blanco
Immediate Past Chair
Luanne K. Welch
President/CEO
DIRECTORS
Michael Alessandri, MD
David C. Barnett
Nancy Cole
Reemberto Diaz
Peter J. Dolara
Bryce E. Epstein, MD
Norman Hemming, III
David M. Peckins*
Stephen F. Rossman*
Steven Savola
REPRESENTATIVES
TO THE BOARD
Gilded Lilies
Corinne Rotolante
ALUMNI BOARD
Wayne A. Cypen *
Ronald C. Dresnick *
Douglas F. Eney
David E. Marko
Wren Newman
Manuel Rodriguez
Aristides J. Sastre *
Barry J. Silverman, MD *
Stanley G. Tate
* PAST CHAIR
1475 NW 14th Avenue
Miami, Florida 33125
305.325.0470 telephone
305.325.0578 fax
What is Scoliosis?
What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a lateral or sideways curve in the spine. If left untreated, this curvature can
progress to severe deformity and disability.
Who gets Scoliosis?
Usually the disorder will first become apparent at the beginning of the teen years because
of the rapid growth during the period. Mild Scoliosis is found nearly as often in boys as
in girls. More serious curves are 5 to 8 times greater in girls than in boys. Girls are more
likely to have Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (Scoliosis of unknown cause). A physician
should check a child who has a parent, brother or sister with Idiopathic Scoliosis
regularly.
What is the Incidence of Scoliosis?
About 10% of the adolescent population has some degree of Scoliosis. About one fourth
of these children, or 2-3% will require medical attention.
How is Scoliosis corrected?
A small curve may only require observation by a physician to make sure it does not
become more severe. A brace may be prescribed to help the back grow straight. If the
curve is worsening rapidly or is caught too late, the curve must be surgically straightened.
Why do we have a Scoliosis Screening Program?
The purpose of the screening program is to deliver the spinal deformity early so that it
can be treated without the need for painful and costly surgery.
How is the Scoliosis Screening conducted?
The screener from behind views the child standing erect. He/she is then asked to place
his/her hands together with palms flat against each other. Finally, the child bends
forward slowly, stopping when the shoulders are level with the hips.
Poor posture, common among growing teenagers, sometimes camouflages the beginning
signs of Scoliosis. Experienced screeners of Easter Seals Miami-Dade screen Middle
School children during the school year.
The early signs of Scoliosis, prominent rib hump on forward bending (one side of the
upper back more prominent than the other), or one shoulder higher or lower than the
other, are not always easy to detect and require the eye and judgment of a professional.
What do I do if my child needs further evaluation?
You will be notified through the school if your child needs further evaluation. Make an
appointment for your child to be seen by your family physician, pediatrician or an
orthopedist for a follow-up examination.
Easter Seals South Florida, Inc.
Feel good about giving
www.southflorida.easterseals.com
301 NW 103rd Avenue
Pembroke Pines, Fl 33026
954.450.6888 telephone
954-447-1730 fax
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2009-2010
OFFICERS
Paul D. Bianco
Chair
Carlos Ojeda
Vice Chair
Nancy J. Ansley
Treasurer
Eugenia McCrea
Secretary
Felipe Blanco
Immediate Past Chair
Luanne K. Welch
President/CEO
DIRECTORS
Michael Alessandri, MD
David C. Barnett
Nancy Cole
Reemberto Diaz
Peter J. Dolara
Bryce E. Epstein, MD
Norman Hemming, III
David M. Peckins*
Stephen F. Rossman*
Steven Savola
REPRESENTATIVES
TO THE BOARD
Gilded Lilies
Corinne Rotolante
ALUMNI BOARD
Wayne A. Cypen *
Ronald C. Dresnick *
Douglas F. Eney
David E. Marko
Wren Newman
Manuel Rodriguez
Aristides J. Sastre *
Barry J. Silverman, MD *
Stanley G. Tate
* PAST CHAIR
1475 NW 14th Avenue
Miami, Florida 33125
305.325.0470 telephone
305.325.0578 fax
Qué es la Escoliosis?
Escoliosis es una curvatura lateral ó de lado de la espina dorsal. Si se deja sin tratar, esta
curvatura puede progresar a una deformidad severa ó incapacidad.
Quién desarrolla la Escoliosis?
Usualmente esta enfermedad es evidente en el principio de la adolescencia por el
crecimiento rapido durante este periodo. Escoliosis moderada es descubierta tan
frecuentemente en las niñas como en los niños. Las curvaturas serias son 5 a 8 veces mas
avanzadas en las niñas que en los niños. Las niñas tienen mas probabilidad de desarrollar
Escoliosis Idiopatica de Adolescencia (Escoliosis sin causa conocida). Un niño que tiene
un padre, hermano ó hermana con Escoliosis Idiopatica debe ser examinado regularmente
por su doctor.
Cuál es la incidencia de Escoliosis?
Aproximadamente un 10% de la población adolescente tiene algun nivel de Escoliosis.
Como un cuarto de estos niños ó 2-3% requerirán atención medica.
Como se corrige la Escoliosis?
Una curvatura minima puede requerir solamente observación de un medico para prevenir
que se empeore ó se convierta severa. Una abrazadera puede ser recetada para ayudar a
la espalda crecer recta. Si la curvatura se empeora rapidamente o se ha diagnosticado
tarde, se necesitara corrección quirurgica.
Porque tenemos Programas de Examen de Escoliosis?
El proposito del programa de examinación es descubrir la deformidad espinal temprano
para que sea tratado sin la necesidad de una cirugia dolorosa y costosa.
Como se administra el Examen de Escoliosis?
El niño es observado por el evaluador por detras, manteniendo postura recta. Al niño se
le indica que ponga sus manos con las palmas juntas, que se incline hacia el frente
despacio y parar cuando los hombros esten al mismo nivel que las caderas.
La pobre postura que es comun entre los adolecentes, a veces camuflaja los sintomas
iniciales de la Escoliosis. Niños de escuela intermedia son examinados por evaluadores
con experiencia de Easter Seals Miami-Dade durante el año escolar.
Los sintomas tempranos de la Escoliosis, la joroba evidente de la costillas al inclinarse
hacia el frente (un lado de la espalda posterior es mas alto que la otra), ó un hombro es
mas alto ó mas bajo que el otro, no son tan facil de detectar y requieren la vista y el juicio
de un profesional.
Que hago si mi niño necesita evaluación adicional?
Usted sera notificado por medio de su escuela si su niño necesita evaluación adicional.
Haga una cita para que su niño sea evaluado por el medico familiar, pediatra u ortopeda
para un examen adicional.