OU Health doctors encourage routine screenings during Scoliosis Awareness Month

June marks Scoliosis Awareness Month. Scoliosis is a condition that impacts the spine. OU Health Doctors said early detection helps avoid complications for adults and can result in simple treatment options.

One girl in Yukon hasn’t skipped a beat on or off the court. Bostyn Ranney knows it takes a strong backbone to score. She feels purposeful with a basketball in her hands. 

“I’ve played it since I was five,” Bostyn said. 

Bostyn said free throws help the win column grow. 

“Puts a lot of pressure on you to make them, because free throws win games,” Bostyn said. 

She has good role models who play for her favorite team. The Oklahoma City Thunder, of course. Bostyn and her mom, Kimari, went to Game 1 of the NBA Finals. 

“They’re really good,” Bostyn said. “It was crazy. The crowd was really, really loud.” 

Bostyn’s mom, Kimari Ranney, took her to a routine checkup, and they found something out of order. A condition that affects about four million people nationwide, mostly children. OU Health Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. T.R. Lewis diagnosed Bostyn with scoliosis. 

“A spinal deformity that affects children all across the country,” Lewis said. “Sometimes patients will notice that their trunk kinda shifts from one side to the other. If their curve is higher up in their spine, they can notice some shoulder asymmetry as well.” 

Most patients experience few if any symptoms. Kimari needed surgery when she was a child. 

“They diagnosed me in about the fourth grade,” Kimari said. “I ended up having a spinal fusion. It’s a big surgery.” 

Early detection prevents issues later in life. Kimari said, despite the fact that she needed surgery, she maintained physical activity. 

“I don’t think it’s really hindered my life at all,” Kimari said.  

Lewis said they do everything they can to stop the curve from progressing. 

“That’s the name of the game,” Lewis said. 

Lewis said most patients can benefit from unique braces. 

“Have a custom brace made for the patient that will actually push on their rib cage and help align the spine secondarily,” Lewis said. 

Bostyn has stayed one step ahead, so she stays in line with her goals. 

“I feel normal,” she said. 

Lewis said it’s good to check for scoliosis at routine checkups every year. Doctors said primary care providers are the best place to start scoliosis screenings.