Pediatric scoliosis interventions are performed only after a medical diagnosis.

Currently, scoliosis and kyphosis are relatively common conditions, with children accounting for approximately 0.5–1% of the population. Dr. Dang Khai Minh, Associate Professor, Department of Trauma and Orthopedics, Children's Hospital 1, said the team decided to apply a 'two-stage surgery' to rescue the spine for pediatric patients. This is the first time the hospital has implemented this technique for severe scoliosis cases. In the first stage, the surgeon cuts facet joints, places pedicle screws and uses a Halo frame to gradually distract the spine continuously for 2–4 weeks to help the spinal cord adapt. In the second stage, the surgeon realigns the spine using a vertical rod and fuses the bones. The procedure had expert support from Prof. Dr. Vu Quang Dinh Nam, Head of Pediatric Trauma and Orthopedics, City Hospital of Trauma and Orthopedics in Ho Chi Minh City. According to Dr. Minh, for curves under 20 degrees, physical therapy is sufficient; for 20–45 degrees, bracing is needed; above 45 degrees, surgery should be considered. From 2022 to present, Children's Hospital 1 has performed more than 30 scoliosis surgeries. Similarly, an 11-year-old girl in Hanoi was brought to Viet Duc Friendship Hospital as part of a free screening and X-ray program recently, when the spine had curved to 63 degrees. Previously, the child lived normally, only slightly shoulder asymmetry, which the family did not notice. Another child under 10 had a curve above 40 degrees, and in some cases more than 80 degrees when presenting at the hospital, by which time the spine had deformed. Directly examining many children, Professor Dinh Ngoc Son, Head of the Spine Surgery Department at Viet Duc Friendship Hospital, warned that the major concern is that most children seek care only after the disease has progressed to a severe stage. Delayed detection makes treatment more difficult and increases long-term complication risks. Scoliosis is a common pediatric condition, with prevalence around 0.5–1% of the population. Most cases have no specific identifiable cause. Some children are affected by congenital factors, neuromuscular disease, or prolonged poor posture. The danger lies in silent progression with few clear signs, making it easy to miss. Many children still lead normal lives, with no pain and no restriction of movement. Early signs are subtle, often just shoulder asymmetry, mild trunk asymmetry, or body imbalance. Therefore, many parents are negligent and only bring their child to a doctor when the condition becomes severe, according to Dr. Son. The consequences of scoliosis extend beyond aesthetics. When the spine deforms, the thorax can be affected, reducing the space for lung development. In severe cases, the condition can impair lung function and even cause lung collapse. The period from ages 5 to 8 is a critical window for lung development. If scoliosis develops during this timeframe, health impacts can be long-lasting. Professor Son cautioned that early detection is not difficult and can be done at home. When a child stands straight, parents can observe whether the shoulders are balanced and whether there is shoulder asymmetry. When the child bends forward, if one side of the back protrudes higher than the other, that may be a sign of abnormality and warrants medical examination. Doctors also warn that improper habits such as wrong sitting posture, bending forward, carrying heavy backpacks, or prolonged inactivity can affect a child’s spine. Parents and teachers should adjust study posture, encourage regular physical activity, and schedule periodic spine checkups, especially during rapid growth. Additionally, anxious parents, worried about their child’s posture during puberty, may seek “posture correction” through gym training, posture courses, or home traction devices. However, many cases show that such approaches cost tens or even hundreds of millions of dong with limited effectiveness and potential risks. Parents should ensure regular screening and intervene only after a medical diagnosis. In diagnosed cases, close monitoring is needed to adjust the treatment plan promptly as directed by the health facility to prevent progression.