Scoliosis & DNA Testing?

By -


Sanford Health have recently released a new test for Scoliosis testing, this new test is being offered at Sanford Health (Sioux Falls, SD) to help identify young girls at risk for developing severe scoliosis. Scoliosis treatment can bring great challenges. In many cases, adolescent girls with small curves are treated with braces, sometimes for many years. The braces are expensive, uncomfortable and are frequently psychologically challenging at a time when teenagers are acutely aware of their appearance.

In the past, physicians frequently recommended bracing for all patients with scoliosis, even though only a few had curves that would ultimately get larger. Previously, doctors could not identify which patients were at the highest risk for developing severe scoliosis.

ScoliScore™ AIS Prognostic Test from Axial Biotech, Inc.
Today, there is an alternative, the ScoliScore™ AIS Prognostic Test, a predictive test that provides increased peace of mind for patients, their families and clinical care providers. ScoliScore™ is a saliva-based DNA test that predicts progression to a severe curve by skeletal maturity. Equally important, the test will identify those patients whose curves will remain small.

Geoffrey Haft, MD, a scoliosis expert with Sanford Clinic Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, has been selected to host a field test site, one of approximately 42 sites around the country involved in the product launch. The test will not become available to the orthopedic community at large until September 2009.

“I see so many scoliosis patients where we have to assume that their curve will get worse with time. I’m thrilled with the opportunity to predict my patient’s course with a simple, non-invasive test,” said Geoffrey Haft, MD, Sanford Clinic Orthopedics & Sports Medicine.

Currently, the ScoliScore™ AIS Prognostic Test is intended for female patients between the ages of nine and 13 years old, with a primary diagnosis of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) who have a mild scoliotic curve (10 degree - 25 degree Cobb Angle).

“The DNA-based test will help physicians make more accurate assessments and recommendations to their patients,” said Dr. Haft. “The test is also paving the way for individualized scoliosis treatment by providing patient-specific information that is used to help health care providers optimize treatment plans.”

To learn more then visit Sanford Health

Popular posts from this blog

Ugly Betty star Wilhelmina has Scoliosis

By -
Image
Ugly Betty star Vanessa Williams has Scoliosis. Before Vanessa became a famous star through her seasons of Ugly Betty she was to be a dancer. Vanessa was recently nominated for an Emmy for the 2nd time for her role as the wicked diva Wilhelmina Slater in Ugly Betty. For those of you who have not heard of Ugly Betty, it is an ABS comedy hit show dedicated to Mode magazine and the world of fashion. Vanessa Williams wanted to be a professional dander with the Joffrey Ballet until those plans were cut short by Scoliosis. (curvature of the spine) Vanessa is reported to have said "It derailed me for a while,". "It was so severe I had to have a spinal fusion where they put 8-inch metal rods and screws in my spine. I just took off one year where I didn't do any physical activity. But then, of course, I was terrified. It's so strange … It felt like having an operation and then healing and going back to your real body. It was really like having a new center of gravity and ...
Read more

Curving again?

By -
Image
I have noticed just recently that I seem to be leaning left again and walking is becoming a real struggle, I only noticed this the other day when I had my jeans on and I saw myself in the mirror (not something I do very often especially as it is cold). I was shocked, my right side is fairly straight and flat (not too much flab) - my left side is almost folded in half and I can wedge my hand in between the fold that appears there - I look awful!!!!! Is it even possible for me to start curving again and my Scoliosis show signs again after a Harrington rod surgery 19 years ago? I never used to be conscious over my body years ago and I know it changes the older I get but I am no bigger than I was when I got married at age 24 and I am now 31, I hate my clothes I do not feel comfortable at all and I hate it when people look at me when I am walking down the street in a sideways crab walk!! I have even added a picture of my back, I never thought I would share that with the world because I am ...
Read more

Scoliosis and Memory Foam Mattresses

By -
Image
I have been receiving many emails about memory foam and whether it actually works. I will let you into the secrets of my good night's sleep and what I think about memory foam and why it has helped me so much, for starters I no longer sleep with Valium, I simply don't need it. The memory foam that I sleep on was invented by a guy in the UK, who, unfortunately does not have the dollars behind him that his competitors like Tempur do, therefore he has not been as recognised as a brand name like he should have been - it's all down to money, and what a shame that is. I have heard great reports about Tempur mattresses and I have tried one, however, I have to say that their product is not as wonderful as the OroMed Sleep System that I use - you understand that this is MY personal opinion and I am entitled to have one ;) I started my quest for memory foam 4 years ago, I just couldn't sleep and was getting beyond my tether of walking around the house at night in tears because I ...
Read more