United Arab Emirates, Dubai – 23 October 2016: Burjeel Hospital for Advanced Surgery in Dubai announced that it has set up a special early screening programme aimed at schools for the early detection and screening for scoliosis. The campaign will have a medical team from Burjeel Hospital’s Spine Unit visit schools to screen children for early signs and symptoms of the condition, offering medical advice, treatment options and pain management for children with the condition.
Scoliosis, a musculoskeletal condition, presents as a sideways curvature of the spine. This abnormality, in which the spine appears S-shaped or C-shaped, can be caused by a variety of factors ranging from congenital spine deformities and genetic conditions to neuromuscular issues and infections. However, a majority of scoliosis cases have no known cause and are termed as idiopathic scoliosis.
Dr. Firas Husban, Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon, and a specialist in spine surgery, at Burjeel Hospital for Advanced Surgery, said, “The primary age for the onset of the spinal condition is 9-14 years old, occurring equally among both genders. Female children are eight times more likely than male children to advance to a degree of curvature that requires treatment.
“In some children scoliosis can create a mild curvature, which often corrects itself in time. However, in some cases it can also be severe and require casting, bracing and ultimately, surgery using magnetic rods, to correct. In such cases, scoliosis can impact the quality of life with limited activity, pain, reduced respiratory function, or lowered self-confidence. This is why it is important to catch the condition in time before it progresses to a more advanced stage where it requires surgery. Early detection of orthopedic problems and regular follow-up throughout growth remains the most important measure in children with spinal deformities. The campaign that Burjeel Hospital has launched for screening at schools will be instrumental in helping children get immediate medical attention in cases of undetected scoliosis.”
Factors such as young age and a larger curve at the time of diagnosis are very important to decide on an approach for treatment. “Children younger than 10 years with curves greater than about 35 degrees tend to get worse without treatment. In order to check this, our team will assess children through a spinal screening that checks for deformities and then a consultation with our physician. Parents can consult a pediatric orthopedic specialist at Burjeel Hospital in case they need further tests or advice with managing the condition. Our specialists will recommend methods (such as casting, bracing or surgery) to reduce the curvature. Our pain management solutions, especially for children undergoing surgery, is line with international benchmarks; the child’s comfort and safety are our top priorities,” said Dr. Ali Zahran, Consultant Anesthesiologist, and Head of the Anesthesia and Pain Management Department at the Burjeel Hospital for Advanced Surgery.
In line with making the process as easy as possible for children, Burjeel Hospital will also provide lifts for children and parents who need further consultations with a pediatric and adult spine specialist. Burjeel Hospital will also have a dedicated professional who will arrange for their visit, get insurance approvals and other necessary arrangements required for the child being treated.
