Scoliosis Treatment Bangalore

Surgery for scoliosis is generally recommended when the Cobb angle exceeds 45 degrees in adolescents with remaining growth, or 50 degrees in skeletally mature patients. The primary reason is that curves above 45 degrees continue to progress at approximately 1 degree per year even after growth ends, and larger curves are associated with cosmetic deformity, pain, and — when very severe — cardiopulmonary compromise. The decision is always individualised based on age, curve type, rate of progression, and symptoms.

Bracing is the only evidence-based non-surgical treatment proven to halt scoliosis progression. The BRAIST study (the largest randomised trial on AIS bracing) showed that bracing with 18+ hours per day wear success in preventing surgical progression in 72% of patients, compared to 48% in the observation group. The Boston TLSO brace is the most widely used for thoracolumbar and lumbar curves; the Milwaukee brace is used for curves with a higher apex. Compliance — wearing the brace the prescribed number of hours — is the single most important factor determining success. Dr. Ramachandran provides brace prescriptions and follow-up at SpineDRx.

Idiopathic scoliosis does have a genetic component — first-degree relatives of AIS patients have approximately a 10–12 times higher risk of developing scoliosis compared to the general population. However, the inheritance pattern is complex (multiple genes are involved), and having a parent with scoliosis does not mean a child will definitely develop it. All children of a parent with AIS should be screened with the Adam's forward bending test during their growth years. If any asymmetry is noted, an X-ray and specialist evaluation should follow promptly.

Yes. Adults over 50 commonly develop degenerative scoliosis — caused by asymmetric wear of spinal discs and facet joints. Unlike adolescent scoliosis, degenerative scoliosis causes significant pain and neurological symptoms (leg pain, claudication, weakness). Most adult patients respond well to conservative management (physiotherapy, injections). When nerve compression or progressive instability is severe, surgical treatment ranging from minimally invasive decompression to full corrective fusion is available at SpineDRx. Age alone is not a contraindication to surgery — many patients in their 60s and 70s benefit substantially.

The most important factor is the surgeon's specific expertise in scoliosis, not just the hospital. Dr. Ramachandran Govindasamy at SpineDRx has worldwide dedicated sub-speciality training in scoliosis correction and uses advanced technology including robotic pedicle screw placement, intraoperative CT (O-arm), and continuous neuromonitoring (IONM). He operates at Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bangalore — a JCI-accredited tertiary care centre — in addition to seeing patients at his clinics in Kasavanahalli and Whitefield.

The Adam's forward bending test is the standard clinical screening test for scoliosis. The patient is asked to bend forward from the waist with knees straight and arms hanging loosely. The examiner views the back from behind. A visible rib hump on one side (caused by vertebral rotation pushing the ribs upward) or a lumbar prominence indicates structural scoliosis. A scoliometer can quantify the angle of trunk rotation (ATR). An ATR of 5 degrees or more, or a Cobb angle above 20 degrees on follow-up X-ray, warrants referral to a scoliosis specialist.

The Lenke classification is the internationally accepted system for classifying adolescent idiopathic scoliosis curves into types 1–6 based on curve location, sagittal modifiers, and lumbar modifier. It is critically important because it determines which curves require surgical correction and which levels need to be fused. Proper Lenke classification ensures the minimum number of motion segments are fused while achieving a balanced, well-corrected spine — preserving maximum post-operative flexibility. Dr. Ramachandran bases every AIS surgical plan on meticulous Lenke classification, which he considers the single most crucial aspect of scoliosis surgery.

The cost of scoliosis surgery in Bangalore depends on the number of levels fused, type of implants used (standard pedicle screws vs. robotic assistance), hospital facility charges, and length of stay. Most health insurance policies in India cover scoliosis surgery partially or fully when medically indicated. At SpineDRx, a detailed, transparent cost breakdown is provided at the pre-surgical consultation. Please contact our clinic for a personalised estimate based on your specific curve type and planned procedure.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is typically painless — back pain in a teenager with scoliosis should prompt MRI to rule out an underlying cause (tumour, syrinx, tethered cord). Adult degenerative scoliosis, however, is a significant cause of chronic low back pain, leg pain, and neurological symptoms in older patients. Not all back pain is due to scoliosis — a thorough evaluation by Dr. Ramachandran will identify the true cause of your pain and determine whether the scoliosis is incidental or the actual pain generator.