We know that scoliosis is a condition that requires a lot of care and individualized monitoring. Although they have a certain pattern, the curves have a mind of their own and behave as they want in each person. That's why a collaborative approach from a multidisciplinary team in the treatment of scoliosis is essential. What do I mean by that? I mean that a competent team from different areas of healthcare taking care of a patient with this deformity in a personalized and effective way brings a better quality of life to the patient and prevents complications. Fact!
Why is a multidisciplinary team so important in scoliosis treatment?
In my second book, which I will release in early 2024, there is a testimonial from Dr. Paulo Cavali, an orthopedic specialist in scoliosis, about the care a complete team should provide to treat a curved spine. I won't reveal what he said just yet, but I will mention here some reasons why it's important to have this team taking care of scoliosis.
Comprehensive evaluation: scoliosis can vary in severity, shape, and cause. A multidisciplinary team composed of specialists from different fields conducts a thorough assessment of the patient to determine the extent of the curve, the cause, and the best treatment plan.
Treatment customization: each patient with scoliosis is unique and may require a specific treatment approach. The multidisciplinary team can develop a personalized treatment plan that takes into account age, gender, curve severity, and other individual factors.
Continuous monitoring: scoliosis requires ongoing monitoring to assess curve progression and adjust treatment as necessary. A multidisciplinary team conducts regular check-ups and adjusts the treatment plan based on the condition's evolution.
Variety of therapeutic approaches: scoliosis treatment can include physiotherapy, specific exercises, braces, or, in severe cases, surgery. This united team can provide a variety of therapeutic options and assist the patient in choosing the most appropriate one.
Psychological and educational support: scoliosis can impact the mental health and quality of life of patients, especially in cases of adolescents. A multidisciplinary team may include psychologists, occupational therapists, and educators to provide emotional and educational support to patients and their families.
Prevention of complications: in severe cases of the deformity, the curvature of the spine can affect internal organs and cause respiratory and cardiac problems. The multidisciplinary team helps prevent or treat these complications, ensuring the overall health of the patient.
And what professionals are involved in this team?
That will vary from case to case, and the goal is to provide comprehensive treatment that addresses all aspects of the condition, from medical treatment to emotional and educational support. Typically, these are the specialists involved:
Orthopedists: these are doctors who specialize in diseases and conditions of the musculoskeletal system, including scoliosis. They typically lead the treatment team and can assess the severity of the spinal curve, determine the need for surgical intervention, and monitor treatment progress.
Orthopedic surgeons: in severe cases of scoliosis that do not respond to conservative treatment, surgery may be necessary. Orthopedic surgeons specializing in spinal deformities perform corrective surgical procedures.
Physiotherapists: they play a crucial role in the conservative treatment of scoliosis. They develop personalized exercise programs to strengthen the muscles supporting the spine and improve posture. In many successful cases, a reduction in the curve can even be observed through specialized scoliosis physical therapy.
Psychologists: these professionals can help patients deal with the emotional and psychological impact of scoliosis, especially in more severe cases or during adolescence, when the condition can affect self-esteem.
Occupational therapists: they can assist patients in learning how to adapt their daily activities to minimize the impact of scoliosis on their lives and improve their quality of life.
Orthotist: this is the professional responsible for producing and adapting orthopedic braces for the conservative treatment of scoliosis. They work in conjunction with doctors and other members of the healthcare team to create custom braces that fit the specific needs of each scoliosis patient, thus aiding in the treatment of the condition.
Nurses: these professionals can provide ongoing support to patients and their families, ensuring that they understand the treatment, know how to manage scoliosis in their daily lives and have access to necessary resources.
Radiologists: radiologists perform imaging tests such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess the curvature of the spine.
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