The nurse is teaching the parents of a child with scoliosis about the disorder. What would the nurse explain is the recommended treatment for a 15-degree curve of the spine?
A) "Spinal fusion will be needed after the child has stopped growing to correct the curve."
B) "A brace will need to be worn to straighten the spine."
C) "All that is needed for this degree of curvature is physical therapy."
D) "Surgery for placement of a rod may be needed if the spinal curvature worsens."
C) "All that is needed for this degree of curvature is physical therapy."
Explanation: A) Patients with great than 40 degree angles may be considered for spinal fusion surgery. Surgery is usually performed only on patients whose curvature progression is not slowed by bracing and whose bones have stopped growing.
B) For patients with angles between 20 and 40 degrees, medical management includes wearing a brace.
C) Patients with angles of 15-25 degrees may be treated conservatively with physical therapy.
D) If curve progression is severe (at least 45 degrees) before the child has stopped growing, surgeons may insert a rod that can be adjusted in length as the child grows; adjustments usually occur every 6 months.
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