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Early detection is a significant piece of the breast cancer puzzle. Susan Cox, Renown Health Senior Director of Cancer Operations, discusses what you need to watch for and how the latest technology can help detect potential cancer sooner. When should women start getting breast exams? It depends on risk factors: Average-risk women: Most medical organizations recommend the first mammogram between 40 and 44. Higher-risk women: Dependent on their high risk, which will dictate when they start screening, but generally around the age of 30 and not before 25 years old.

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Mammograms are an effective means for early detection of breast cancer. Still, many women shy away from them for fear of pain or discomfort. Let us debunk a few mammogram myths that will remove your worries and encourage proactive breast health. Reviewed by Dr. Colleen O'Kelly-Priddy, MD, FACS, breast surgical oncologist at Renown Women's Health. Myth 1: Mammograms Are Painful Reality: Although some women experience discomfort during a mammogram, most say it is not painful. Breast compression, which is important to get a clear image, can cause a sensation of pressure, but this lasts for a few seconds. Let your technician know how much pressure you can handle so you're not uncomfortable. Myth 2: Discomfort Persists Long After the Procedure Reality: The sensation of pressure developed through the compression process diminishes quickly after the procedure. Most women go about their day afterward without experiencing any residual pain.

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Cancer can develop at any age, and that’s why the experts at Renown are ready to help you stay ahead of breast cancer, especially if you're in your 20s or 30s. We're talking about early detection, signs to be aware of, and why being proactive is a big deal. Studies show there has been an increase in breast cancer in younger women. Although breast cancer is rare in women under 40, when it occurs, it tends to be aggressive. The tricky part? Many young women don't think it can happen to them, so they don't check for the signs as often as they should. Reviewed by Dr. Colleen O'Kelly-Priddy, MD, FACS, breast surgical oncologist at Renown Women's Health. Early Signs and Symptoms New or Different Lump in the Breast: A lump is probably the most well-known symptom. Breast cancer is usually painless and firm, but it can also be soft. If you find a new lump, don't panic, but don't ignore it either. Changes in Breast Size or Shape: Have you noticed that one breast looks a little different? Whether it's swelling, shrinking, bulging, dimpling, or seems off, it's worth mentioning to your doctor. Skin Changes: If the skin on your breast starts to thicken or turn red, it's time to pay attention. If your skin starts looking like an orange peel (thickened, with prominent pores), that warrants evaluation. Nipple Discharge: Spontaneous drainage coming from your nipple that isn't breast milk—especially if it's clear or bloody—should be checked out. Nipple Changes: If your nipple starts to invert, flatten, or look different, call your doctor. Breast Pain: Continuous pain in your breast or nipple that isn't linked to your menstrual cycle is another symptom to note. However, breast pain is very common and is only rarely a sign of cancer, so don’t panic. Swelling or Lumps in the Armpit: When it spreads, breast cancer usually first goes to the lymph nodes in the armpit, so swelling or lumps under your arm should be on your radar.

Read More About 7 Symptoms of Breast Cancer in Young Women

Pictured above are members of the interdisciplinary team at Renown Rehabilitation Hospital, representing the diverse array of caregivers who supported Tariq's recovery journey. For Tariq Kuraishy and his wife Melissa, the focus is on his journey and getting back to life as he knew it rather than the stroke he experienced in June 2024, which led him to Renown Regional Medical Center and later to Renown Rehabilitation Hospital (otherwise known as “Renown Rehab”).  From the swift assessment by first responders to the immediate treatment at Renown Emergency Room and the critical care received in Renown's Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Tariq’s journey has been marked by resilience and exceptional support beyond the couple’s expectations. Navigating the First Moments After Stroke Melissa shared how Tariq’s care team’s calm demeanor and expertise eased the initial shock of his diagnosis, treatment and plan of care. For Melissa, staying informed during crucial care discussions was vital. She noted that the team's professionalism and reassurance gave her the confidence to let go of some of the mental and emotional burden she felt during the immediate period after the stroke, allowing her to focus on both her and Tariq's physiological and emotional needs. “I felt very safe being at Renown, knowing that we were being cared for to the greatest extent,” said Melissa.  Rising to His Personalized Rehabilitation Plan Tariq began the Renown Rehab program on June 19 with one goal in mind: to regain 70% of his brain function within 30 days. To achieve this, he spends four to five hours per day participating in physical, occupational, speech and recreational therapies as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program tailored to his specific needs. If that sounds like a rigorous schedule, it's because it is, but Tariq prefers it that way because it means he’s actively working towards regaining his sense of normalcy with his care team alongside him every step of the way. “Unlike other places that might take a more lenient approach, the responsibility for progress not only lies with the Renown Rehab team but also the patient. If you are prepared to do the work, Renown Rehab is prepared to get you there,” Tariq said.   Melissa emphasizes that Renown Rehab provides comprehensive, whole-person care with a variety of innovative, individualized therapies. These therapies keep patients engaged and busy throughout the day, addressing not just the affected areas but also the entire body and mind, ensuring holistic recovery and facilitating progress in unique ways. Activities like catching a ball or putting a ball in a hole help restore function, much like restoring power to a building that has lost electricity. It’s All About the Support and the Team’s Know-How From the moment he arrived, the Renown Rehab team has been continuously assessing Tariq’s abilities and tailoring his rehabilitation plan to propel him to the next level. Melissa, who spends up to 12 hours a day at the facility supporting her husband, highlighted the daily therapeutic sessions as an impressive way the care team evaluates Tariq’s readiness for more challenging tasks. Communication between the couple and Tariq’s team of doctors, nurses, therapists, techs and certified nursing assistants is constant as they actively involve them in decisions. As Tariq put it, they don’t cater to his comfort zone but instead push for progress, understanding it may not always be linear. It’s a true collaboration. “It doesn’t feel like it's being done to us but being done with us,” Melissa said. Looking Ahead Tariq and Melissa feel immensely fortunate to be at Renown Rehabilitation Hospital, which offers an exceptional blend of equipment, technology and expert care teams. “The Rehab facility is a treasure,” Tariq said. “Every member of the care team has displayed the utmost level of professionalism and expertise, and there hasn't been a single person who hasn't shown compassion and competence,” Melissa added. “I feel I will get the most out of being at Renown Rehab. I plan to take full advantage of the services and use every bit of the team’s talent, training and expertise. I will not leave anything on the table,” Tariq said. As Tariq continues to progress, he and Melissa are optimistic about the future. Tariq continues to receive physical, occupational and speech therapy at Renown Rehab. Their journey, marked by determination and strong support from Renown, offers hope to others facing similar challenges.

Read More About Tariqs Journey of Resilience at Renown Rehab

One of the most crucial aspects of maintaining health and wellness is staying proactive about regular cancer screenings. Early cancer detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and survival. The multidisciplinary care team at the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute at Renown Health provides compassionate care and support to the community for early detection and diagnoses. This comprehensive guide outlines the various cancer screenings available for breast, colorectal, lung, cervical, prostate and skin cancer. Breast Cancer Screening Who Should Get Screened? Mammograms are recommended starting age 40 for those considered at average risk for breast cancer. Women with a family history or other risk factors should discuss appropriate screening options with their healthcare provider. Women under 40 with a family history should discuss risk factors with a healthcare provider. Screening Methods Mammogram: This provides an X-ray of the breast and can detect tumors that are not yet palpable. Breast MRI: This type of scan is recommended for women at high risk for breast cancer due to genetic factors or family history. Screening Breast Ultrasound: This scan can help in identifying masses in denser breast tissue that might not be visible on mammogram. It is recommended in addition to a mammogram for patients at a higher risk for breast cancer. What to Expect During a mammogram, the breast is compressed between two plates to capture X-ray images. Some pressure or discomfort may be felt, but the procedure is brief and critical for early detection. Colorectal Cancer Screening Who Should Get Screened? Adults aged 45 to 75 should undergo regular colorectal screenings. Some adults under 45 may need to be screened earlier depending on family history or other genetic risks. Those over 75 should consult with their healthcare provider to determine if continued screening is necessary. Screening Methods Colonoscopy: This procedure uses a flexible tube with a camera to examine the entire colon. Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT): A non-invasive test that detects hidden blood in the stool. CT Colonography (Virtual Colonoscopy): Uses Computed tomography (CT) imaging to provide detailed views of the colon. What to Expect A colonoscopy can detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine (colon) and rectum. Screening is usually advised every ten years, but if you are at risk, screening may be recommended every 3 to 5 years after your initial colonoscopy. Colonoscopy preparation includes bowel cleansing the day before and sedation during the procedure. FIT is a simple at-home test requiring no special preparation. Lung Cancer Screening Who Should Get Screened? Adults aged 50 to 80 with a significant smoking history (20 pack years or more) and who currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. Screening Methods Low-dose Computed Tomography (LDCT): A CT scan with low radiation doses to create detailed images of the lungs. What to Expect LDCT is a non-invasive scan that requires you to hold your breath for a few seconds. Cervical Cancer Screening Who Should Get Screened? Women aged 21 to 65 should undergo regular screenings. Women aged 21 to 29 should have a Pap test every three years. Women aged 30 to 65 should have a Pap test and HPV test every five years, or a Pap test alone every three years. Screening Methods Pap Test (sometimes called a Pap Smear): Collects cells from the cervix to detect precancers. HPV Test: Identifies high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types that can cause cervical cancer. What to Expect The Pap test involves collecting cells from the cervix using a small brush. Some discomfort may be felt, but the procedure is brief and crucial for early detection. Prostate Cancer Screening Who Should Get Screened? Men aged 50 and older should discuss screening options with their healthcare provider. Men at higher risk (African American men and those with a family history of prostate cancer or are a BRCA2 gene carrier) should begin discussing screenings  at age 40. Screening Methods Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: Measures PSA levels in the blood. Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): A physical examination where the provider feels the prostate through the rectum to detect abnormalities. What to Expect The PSA test is a simple blood test. The DRE may cause slight discomfort but is quick and essential for early detection. Skin Cancer Screening Who Should Get Screened? Anyone with a suspicious lesion or abnormal area on their skin. Individuals with more than 50 moles or dysplastic moles. Those with a personal history of melanoma or history of other skin cancers. Those who have more than one member of immediate family with a history of cancers (melanoma, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer) or a family member who was diagnosed with melanoma before they were 50 years old. Positive gene testing for BRACA2, Lynch syndrome genes (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2 or EPCAM). Screening Methods Skin Exam: A visual examination by your provider to check for unusual moles, birthmarks, or other skin changes. Biopsy: Removal of a small sample of skin for testing if an abnormal area is identified. What to Expect A skin exam is non-invasive and visual. A biopsy involves minor discomfort and local anesthesia if needed. Expert Advice Although the cadence of these skin screenings may or may not be annual, as one's age increases, the risk of many cancers rises. Everyone benefits from attentive sun protection, including avoiding direct sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. by seeking shade and wearing hats, clothing and sunscreen. When purchasing sunscreen, look for SPF 50, UVA/UVB broad spectrum. Questions to Discuss with Your Healthcare Provider What is my risk level for different types of cancer? Which screening tests do you recommend for me and why? What are the potential risks and benefits of each test? How often should I get screened? What steps to follow if a test result is abnormal? Importance of Cancer Screenings Regular cancer screenings are vital for maintaining your health and catching cancer early, when it is most treatable. Renown Health is dedicated to guiding you through the process and providing the highest quality of care. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate screenings for your specific needs and to take proactive steps toward a healthier future.

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© Arthon Meekodong via Canva.com Breast cancer screening has long been a cornerstone of women's healthcare. With 1 in 8 women diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime1, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has developed screening recommendations to help detect early-stage cancer. Notably in 2023, the USPSTF revised the recommended age for biennial mammogram screenings for women with average risk to start at age 40 instead of 502, estimated to result in 19% more lives being saved3 by starting screening earlier. While initiating screening at an earlier age offers advantages to a wide demographic, concerns about the potential of over-screening prompted research into the feasibility of identifying women with lower breast cancer risk who could safely delay mammograms. While guidelines address high-risk individuals, a notable gap exists in providing recommendations tailored to those at lower risk. To gain insight into a patient's risk level, physicians are able to utilize genetic testing to understand an individual's genetic makeup, providing precise insights into their predisposition to various health conditions, including breast cancer. Armed with this genetic information, healthcare providers could craft tailored screening strategies that align with an individual’s specific risk profile. This genetic risk-based approach underscores the value of genetics in individualizing the onset of screening to help avoid over-screening and its associated costs. Surprisingly, genetic information is not currently being widely utilized to identify women at risk of breast cancer or other diseases in clinical practice, despite its potential to make a significant positive impact for patients. A recent retrospective analysis of 25,591 women from the Healthy Nevada Project4 sheds light on the potential benefits of this genetic risk-based approach. The study classified 2,338 (9.1%) of these women as having a low genetic risk for breast cancer. What's remarkable is that these women exhibited a significantly lower and later onset of breast cancer compared to their average or high-risk counterparts. This finding suggests that it might be safe for low-risk women to delay mammogram screening by 5 to 10 years without compromising their health.

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Did you know an estimated 1.9 million neurons and 14 billion synapses are lost per minute during a stroke? That’s why every second counts. Anyone can have a stroke, but your chances increase if you have certain risk factors. That’s why the best way to protect yourself or your loved ones from a stroke is to know the risks and how to manage them. You can make changes to your lifestyle to lower your risk of stroke by asking yourself the following questions: 1. Is my blood pressure normal? High blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke and the most important controllable risk factor. If you’ve had a stroke, lowering your blood pressure can help prevent future strokes. 2. Can I quit smoking? Smoking damages blood vessels, clogs arteries and raises blood pressure — doubling your risk of stroke. If you want to reduce your risk of stroke and heart attack, quitting smoking is the first step — and Renown can help you with this. Learn more: Renown Health Quit Tobacco Program. 3. Do I make time to exercise 30 minutes a day? Many studies link consistent exercise habits with lower stroke risk. Also, being overweight contributes to high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes, all increasing your stroke risk. You don’t need to run a marathon — just commit to making time to move each day. 4. Do I regularly eat processed food and sugar? Eating less cholesterol and fat, especially saturated and trans fats, may reduce the fatty deposits (plaque) in your arteries. Also, eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day may reduce your stroke risk. If you are diabetic, follow recommendations to get your diabetes under control.

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Stroke is unfortunately common, with 1 in 5 American women experiencing it each year. When it comes to a stroke the phrase “time is brain” speaks to the urgency of getting rapid care. In fact, a woman may lose nearly 2 million neurons per minute of oxygen loss to the brain. The Renown Health Comprehensive Stroke Center experts share the importance of timely treatment and how stroke symptoms can differ in women. Women and Stroke – Surprising Symptoms  Each year stroke affects more women than men. Even more concerning, women are less likely to recover from a stroke. The following non-traditional, less common, warning signs can be common in women: Hiccups with chest pain Sudden disorientation, drowsiness, confusion or a general altered mental status Nausea or vomiting A sudden headache that feels like the ‘worst headache of your life’ Unusual chest pain (especially with hiccups) Body numbness or weakness, such as an arm or leg suddenly ‘falling asleep’ Fainting or loss of consciousness Stroke Diagnosis The first step is neuroimaging by CT scan. This allows for rapid identification of any bleed, and also assists in determining candidacy for the early clot busting medication. MRI brain imaging is much higher resolution, and can better determine the core stroke size, assisting in prognosis and recovery. Since strokes have several different origins, an inpatient workup is essential to determine the underlying cause. Whether the stroke is secondary to plaque in the large vessels, clots being thrown in the setting of atrial fibrillation (an abnormal heart rhythm), or small vessel disease from years of uncontrolled vascular risk factors (high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes), determining the cause is essential to implementing a management plan to reduce risk for further strokes. Quick Treatment for Stroke is Key Early recognition of stroke symptoms and seeking prompt attention is paramount. There are interventions that can be instituted to minimize the stroke and increase likelihood of recovery, but only if a patient presents to the hospital early. A clot busting medication, called tPA, can be given to patients with stroke if given within 4-5 hours from time of onset. Renown Regional Health Center is designated as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, the highest level of stroke certification available. To earn the designation of comprehensive stroke center, a hospital has to meet stringent requirements, including biannual on-site evaluations. This includes care for ischemic stroke patients (lack of blood flow), hemorrhagic stroke patients (bleeds), and determining the underlying cause to guide secondary stroke management prevention. Stroke Symptoms Remember “B.E.F.A.S.T.” to recognize the symptoms of a stroke below: B – Balance Being off balance or dizzy, is common. E – Eyes An eyesight change such as blurring or double vision may occur. F – Face droop One side of the face, or lip, droops A – Arm weakness Does one arm drift down? S – Speech Talking may slur or sound strange. T – Time Time to call 911. Call an ambulance immediately if you or anyone else, experiences any of these symptoms.

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Parkinson’s disease – you may have heard of it because Neil Diamond and Ozzy Osbourne were recently diagnosed with it. Or perhaps you know Michael J. Fox is a strong advocate and funds research through his foundation. Neurologist Jonathan Spivack, MD, discusses this disease, while physiatrist Stephanie Jones, DO, explains how physical therapy can help as a supplemental treatment. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation about ten million people worldwide currently have this disease. What is Parkinson’s Disease? “Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease that progresses slowly and definitely, though at variable rates,” explains Dr. Spivack. “Symptoms go beyond the classic motor changes. It results from a loss of specific dopamine-producing brain cells. Specifically, this loss is likely due to a mix of genetic and environmental factors,” he adds. Dopamine allows communication between particular nerve cells responsible for movement. If you have Parkinson’s dopamine levels gradually drop, causing a loss of motor skills. Generally, most patients with the disease are over age 65. Early Signs and Symptoms Diagnosing Parkinson’s can be difficult as some of the symptoms happen during the natural aging process. The Parkinson’s Foundation identifies the following 10 early signs of PD: Tremors or shaking of your hand, fingers or chin Small handwriting Loss of smell Sudden movements during sleep Stiffness when walking or moving Constipation Softer or lower voice volume Mad facial expression Feeling dizzy or faint Hunching or stooping posture A single sign may not point to the disease, but if you (or a loved one) has multiple signs, talk to your healthcare provider.

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It seemed like a normal Wednesday, except Kimi Woolsey was feeling really stressed. On Sept. 4, 2019 she was rushing to get ready for an appointment when suddenly, she could not feel her legs. Kimi immediately knew something was wrong and called out to her fiancé, Paul, for help. After seeing a bright light in her right eye, she felt a severe, sharp pain in her head traveling down into her leg. Paul quickly called 911, the EMT’s arrived and her stroke survival journey began. At first the medical team thought she had a complicated migraine, but one of them suspected a stroke. On the way to the hospital Kimi felt numbness and her face drooping, then instantly, no pain. For a moment she thought she was dying, going from pain to numbness and realizing she couldn’t move or speak. Kimi didn’t know she was having another massive stroke in transit. Each year nearly 800,000 people in the U.S. suffer a stroke, or “brain attack” – that’s one every 40 seconds. Of those, about 75% occur in people over age 65. However, at only 45 years old, Kimi is proof that a stroke can happen at any age. Stroke Survival Begins for Kimi Upon arriving at the emergency department of Renown Regional Medical Center the Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center team went into action. Kimi received a brain MRI, then was wheeled into surgery for a thrombectomy (clot removal). She was in the intensive care unit for 11 days. She remembers someone telling her, “Generally people don’t survive this magnitude of stroke.” And a doctor saying, “You are here for a reason.” Kimi’s comeback journey began with the comprehensive care team at Renown Rehabilitation Hospital. “Literally I had the best day of my life that first day there…I was so happy because I couldn’t imagine being in a safer place with people that literally live for you,” she recalls. During her 41 days there, her biggest milestone was being able to get out of bed and walk. For Kimi the support she felt at the rehab hospital was key to her progress, ”I still feel loved and appreciated and they’re rooting for me still and I can feel it.” Although she left the rehab hospital on Oct. 18, 2019, she is still working on improving the left side of her body. Currently Kimi works with therapists in outpatient physical rehabilitation sessions, continuing to see improvement in both her hand and leg. Her advice to those currently in a rehab hospital setting is, “Stay as long as you can to get the most out of it and push, push, push.” Kimi’s Stroke Survival as a Warrior “Having a stroke is not for the faint of heart,” says Kimi. She experienced despair and felt discouraged. Many days she would ask herself, “Why am I here?” Today she proudly calls herself a stroke warrior and refuses to be a victim of her stroke. Alongside her tenacious spirit, Kimi actively helps others on their stroke survival journey. Before her stroke she never dreamed of starting a non-profit foundation. Now, each day you’ll find her texting inspiration to others, offering advice and connecting with other struggling stroke survivors on her Facebook page, Stroke Warrior Recovery Coach. Her goal is to become the person she needed to talk to after her stroke; she currently coaches several stroke survivors. “Stroke survivors need to know that they aren’t alone. Mental support and encouragement are so important for each person’s stroke journey,” Kimi said. Along with the physical changes, Kimi feels the stroke magnified her empathy. “I was always in a hurry in my life. People didn’t go fast enough for me – on the road, at the grocery store, in a line. Now I have more patience with myself and others." Kimi realizes most people cannot wrap their brain around the concept of a stroke. In fact, the brain fog, physical challenges and frustration are hard to explain… unless you’ve experienced them. “You need to find your tribe,” she explains. “I have a passion for helping people through this process.” Most of all, she encourages people to keep going and never stop. After her stroke, Kimi has a greater appreciation for her family, health and life. She is one of the patients featured in the current “Fight The Good Fight” trauma and physical rehab advertising campaign. “I wake up every day and fight,” she asserts. “Each day you have to fight for your recovery and fight for yourself.”

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Posture is important, but for those children diagnosed with scoliosis (spinal curvature) it can be a difficult issue. The Washoe County School District Student Health Services Department screens 7th grade students for scoliosis as growth spurts often reveal the condition and, if diagnosed early, scoliosis can stop progressing. We asked Michael Elliott, MD, head of the Department of Pediatric Orthopedics and Scoliosis to answer some frequently asked questions about scoliosis. What is scoliosis? There are many types of scoliosis: early onset (occurs before age 10), congenital scoliosis is when the bones of the spine do not form correctly, neuromuscular scoliosis which is due to children’s neurologic and muscle disease, and the most common is Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. The term “idiopathic “ means the exact cause is unknown, although we do know it runs in families. This type of scoliosis occurs in 2-3 percent of adolescents and is mainly seen during their growth spurt. This is why middle school screenings are recommended. Both genders get scoliosis but girls are 8 times more likely to have their curves progress and become larger. What are the signs that my child may have scoliosis? A few signs for parents to watch for are: One shoulder might be higher than the other. One leg may seem longer. A hip may be higher or look more prominent. The waist may not look the same from side to side (asymmetry). The trunk or rib cage may be more prominent on one side or shifted. When they bend forward they may have a bump on their back. How is scoliosis diagnosed? It can be noticed by a pediatrician at a physical, school screening nurse, PE teacher or parents. Once the curve is suspected the child is usually referred to a pediatric orthopedic surgeon scoliosis expertise. At the initial visit the doctor will perform a thorough physical including a complete neurologic exam to assess the amount of curvature. Once the exam is completed the physician will determine if a spinal x-ray is needed. The curve on the x-ray is measured utilizing the cobb angle (a measurement in degrees) which helps guide the treatment. What are common treatments for scoliosis? The treatment depends on the size of the spinal curve and the amount of growth the child has remaining. An x-ray of the child’s hand is used to determine the amount of growth remaining. This allows the determination of the child’s bone age, and based on the hands growth plates it can determined if the child is in their rapid phase of growth. Treatments include: Observation - For curves less than 20-25 degrees. This entails visits every 6-9 months with a repeat scoliosis x-ray. Since scoliosis curves increase only 1-2 degrees per month, and variations in measurements can be 3-5 degrees, an x-ray is not recommended before 6 months. If the curve remains less than 25 degrees the child is followed until their growth is completed (usually age 16-18). Progressing Curve - If growth is finished and the curve is less than 40 degrees, the risk of more curvature into adulthood is small. If growth is completed and the curve is over 45 degrees, the child is followed for several years as these curves can progress into adulthood. If the patient is still growing and the curve has progressed greater than 25 degrees but still in the non-operative range (less than 45-50 degrees) bracing is used to stop the progression of the curve. Bracing - Indicated for curves over 25 degrees but less than 45 degrees. If a brace is required you will be referred to an orthotist (bracing specialist). The orthotist assesses your child, reviews the x-ray and then fits the brace. (Having a brace made usually takes 2-3 weeks.) Once the brace is fit, your child will visit the scoliosis specialist for an x-ray in the brace to ensure it fits correctly. The primary goal of bracing is to halt progression of the curve and prevent the need for surgery. The brace must be worn for about 16 hours per day to be effective. In a recent bracing study 72% of the patients who wore their braces as prescribed prevented the need for surgery compared to the group who did not wear their brace. Surgery: When a curve reaches 45-50 degrees, and a child is still growing, surgery is usually recommended because the curve is likely to continue progress. If a curve is over 50 degrees and the child is done growing surgery also may be recommended. This is because when curves are over 50 degrees they tend to increase 1-2 degrees per year for the rest of your life. As curves get larger the amount of lung function tends to decrease which could cause breathing problems later in life. The goals of surgery are to stop the progression of the curve and safely correct any misalignment. This is accomplished by attaching implants (rods, screws, hooks and bands) to the spine. Bone graft is then placed around the implants to encourage the spine to fuse (grow together). This then forms a solid column of bone with metal rods in place, preventing the curve from changing. Most patients are back to their regular sports and activities six months post surgery.

Read More About Ask the Expert: What is Scoliosis?