Another New DNA Genetic Test That Benefits Scoliosis Patients.

As previously posted on April 27, 2011 on original blog

What if you could test DNA from a saliva sample of a scoliosis patient and determine, with clear cut fact, the best course of treatment for him/her? The day has come for this dream to become a reality!

Ten years in the making, ScoliScore is a newer DNA genetic test that does just what it is supposed to do. By testing DNA in the saliva of any scoliosis patient, it can determine, through high or low scores, the probability that the current degree curvature will become better or worse over time. This information is vital to treating scoliosis patients because it accurately assesses the need for x-rays, braces, casting, and/or surgery.

By limiting x-rays, the patient is subjected to less radiation and health concerns from the procedures. The doctors using this test take the guesswork out of the treatment plans given to scoliosis patients and base them on clear cut facts. The genetic testing used is complicated and involved, yet becoming more and more widespread due to its significance in scoliosis treatment.

Dr. Mark Locke, Director of Pediatric Orthopedics at Moore Orthopedic Clinic, loves the new test. He discussed the impact of the test on diagnosing treatment options for scoliosis patients. He gives an example of how a scoliosis patient with a 15 degree curve who has a high test score will eventually have that curve increase exponentially. Conversely, if the test had come back with a lower score, the curvature would remain the same. In general, a high test score indicates the curve will increase in degree measurement where a low score indicates the curvature will remain low.

The ScoliScore DNA genetic test is another example of how advancements in medicine can benefit scoliosis patients and their treatment options. This line of medicine needs more advancements similar to this DNA test in order to gain ground on this debilitating condition. The information contained in this post came from http://www.midlandsconnect.com/news/video.aspx?list=195149&id=577018.

Please visit http://www.thescoliosisfoundation.org/ for more information.