Discuss spinal curvature with Dr. Mesut Sançmış, an orthopaedics and traumatology specialist in Antalya. Understand how age, remaining growth and symptoms influence treatment.
Scoliosis is a sideways spinal curve, usually accompanied by rotation of the vertebrae. It may create a C-shaped or S-shaped appearance when viewed from behind.
A curve measuring at least 10 degrees on an X-ray meets the usual definition. This measurement is called the Cobb angle, but the number alone does not determine whether treatment is needed.
Scoliosis differs from the natural curves visible when looking at the spine from the side. Its effect ranges from a mild, stable change to a deformity that affects balance, comfort or function.
Types of Scoliosis
Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
This develops during the growing years without a clearly identified cause. It is often noticed because of uneven shoulders, an asymmetric waist or a rib prominence rather than pain.
The amount of growth remaining is important because a curve can progress during a growth spurt.
Adult Scoliosis
Adults may have a curve that began earlier in life or develop degenerative scoliosis as spinal discs and joints change with age.
Back discomfort, difficulty standing upright and nerve-related leg symptoms can become more relevant than appearance. Treatment therefore considers function and spinal balance as well as the curve.
Congenital and Neuromuscular Scoliosis
Congenital scoliosis results from vertebrae developing abnormally before birth. Neuromuscular scoliosis is associated with conditions affecting muscle control and support.
These forms, and curves in very young children, require specialised assessment rather than applying adolescent treatment rules automatically.
Signs That Need Assessment
Uneven shoulders or hips, one shoulder blade standing out and a visible rib prominence when bending forwards can indicate scoliosis. Clothing may hang differently even when there is little discomfort.
Persistent pain, rapid changes in shape or new neurological symptoms deserve particular attention. Severe pain or weakness should not simply be attributed to an existing scoliosis diagnosis.
Most mild adolescent curves do not cause major physical limitations. Assessment helps distinguish a change that needs monitoring from one that warrants active treatment.
How Is Scoliosis Evaluated?
The clinician examines posture, spinal flexibility, walking and nerve function. For children, the assessment also considers growth, family history and previous measurements.
Standing X-rays show the curve and overall alignment. Comparing suitable images over time helps establish whether the curvature is changing. The clinician will explain whether additional investigations are needed.
The treatment discussion considers curve size, location, progression, skeletal maturity and your priorities. Two people with the same Cobb angle may need different recommendations.
Non-Surgical Scoliosis Treatment
Observation and Monitoring
Small or stable curves may need scheduled reviews rather than immediate intervention. Monitoring is an active plan: it allows changes to be identified while treatment choices remain available.
The frequency of examinations and imaging depends on age, remaining growth and the likelihood of progression.
Bracing During Growth
A prescribed spinal brace may reduce progression in selected growing children and adolescents. It is commonly considered for moderate curves, often around 25 to 45 degrees, with the exact decision depending on growth and previous change.
The aim is generally to prevent further worsening, not to promise a permanently straight spine. Fit, prescribed wearing time and regular adjustments affect the treatment.
A brace used for an adult's pain relief has a different purpose from growth-related bracing.
Exercise and Physiotherapy
Exercise supports strength, endurance and comfortable movement. A physiotherapist may use scoliosis-specific exercises or a broader programme matched to symptoms and activity needs.
Exercises should not be presented as a guaranteed way to eliminate a structural curve or replace indicated bracing. In adults, improved function can be a worthwhile result even when the X-ray angle remains similar.
Managing Adult Symptoms
Pain management, appropriate exercise and treatment of associated osteoporosis may form part of care. Selected injections can sometimes provide temporary relief from nerve-related symptoms, but they do not correct scoliosis.
The source of pain should be assessed rather than assuming the curve explains every symptom.
When Is Scoliosis Surgery Considered?
For adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, a surgical discussion commonly arises around curves of 45 to 50 degrees or more, especially when further progression is likely. This is a guide, not an automatic instruction to operate.
In adults, disabling symptoms, worsening imbalance or nerve compression may be more important than a single angle. Surgery is usually considered after suitable non-surgical options have been assessed.
Spinal fusion is a common approach. Rods and screws hold a planned correction while a bone graft develops into a solid fusion. The objective is useful balance and stability, not maximum straightening at any cost.
Younger children may need a different strategy that accounts for continued growth.
Recovery, Risks and Expectations
After fusion, walking and everyday activity are gradually reintroduced while lifting and sport remain restricted as advised. Recovery extends over months, and the timetable differs between a teenager and an adult having complex reconstruction.
Risks include infection, bleeding, blood clots, failure of the bones to fuse and implant problems. Nerve or spinal cord injury can cause lasting weakness or paralysis, although severe neurological complications are uncommon.
Fusion also reduces movement across the treated levels. Further surgery can be necessary, and complete pain relief is not guaranteed.
Scoliosis Treatment Cost in Turkey
Costs differ between an assessment-and-monitoring plan, a custom brace programme and spinal surgery. A brace quotation should clarify fitting, adjustments and possible replacement during growth.
For surgery, request details of implants, hospital care, rehabilitation and follow-up. Confirm which services would continue locally after returning home.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank Dr Mesut Sançmış for his kind, caring and professional approach to my long term medical issues. He very efficiently examined, tested and diagnosed my medical issues and offered treatment of arthroscopic knee surgery for the following day.
The surgery was an absolute success with my original pain now gone and the procedure stiffness subsiding daily. I can already walk and sleep better and my quality of life is improving. The constant pain etched on my face and in my daily life has gone and I can never thank him enough. He is a true gentleman and 5 star surgeon.
Trustpilot
From the very beginning, I felt that I was in good hands with Dr. Mesut Sançmis . The consultation was clear, supportive, and reassuring, which made me feel confident about moving forward. Throughout the treatment, Dr. Mesut Sançmis showed great care and professionalism, always making sure I was comfortable and informed.
The results have exceeded my expectations — my feet not only look better, but I feel more confident and at ease in my daily life. It has truly been a positive change for me, both physically and emotionally.
I am very grateful for the expertise, kindness, and attention to detail that Dr. Mesut Sançmis provided. I would gladly recommend this clinic to anyone looking for high-quality, compassionate care.
WhatClinic
The Dr was very helpful and honest and gave me my options how to go forward. Very pleased with the support. I requested injections and the Dr recommended would not help as my condition requires surgery in the near future
Google
MSM Klinik have been excellent. From the initial consultation, through the Hospital procedure and the after care absolutely fantastic. Communication about the knee procedure and the ease of making it happen with genuine concern for your welfare and recovery. Highly recommend this great Klinic. Thanks MSM
Google
I fortunately came across Dr. Mesut while researching orthopedic surgeons in Antalya after suffering a severe heel fracture in the United States. From the beginning, I was uneasy with the treatment plan proposed by my U.S. surgeon. After more than a year of being told that it was simply a “bad break” that would take time to heal, it was finally discovered that I had also severely sprained my ankle at the time of the injury, resulting in partial ligament and tendon tears that had been missed entirely.
When these tears were eventually identified, the solution I was given was ankle fusion surgery, an option that would have permanently limited my mobility. This did not sit right with me.
While in Antalya for my spouse's dental care, I had the opportunity to consult with Dr. Mesut at MSM Klinik. His team quickly arranged comprehensive testing to fully understand what was happening with my foot. Dr. Mesut confirmed the ligament and tendon damage but was very clear that ankle fusion was not the appropriate solution for my case. Through my time there, it was clear to me that he treats a wide range of complex orthopedic conditions, not just ankle cases, which gave me even more confidence in his overall experience. From our first conversation, I felt confident in his expertise. He immediately recognized the complexity of my injury, especially given that my foot had healed incorrectly over the course of more than a year and a half.
After returning to the U.S. and doing further research, I made the decision to go back to Antalya and proceed with surgery under Dr. Mesut’s care. One of the major factors in my decision was his use of stem cell therapy, an option that was never even discussed by my doctors in the United States.
From start to finish, the level of professionalism and compassion at MSM Klinik was exceptional. Everyone in the office was attentive, organized, and supportive. Eli was especially wonderful, managing all logistics and providing clear translation throughout the entire process, which made everything seamless and stress free. During my stay, I also received IV vitamin and supportive therapies at the office designed to aid healing and speed recovery.
I am now just 2.5 weeks post surgery and already able to walk at approximately 50% weight bearing. In the U.S., I would have been non-weight bearing for at least two months before even beginning this stage. My recovery has been faster and smoother than I ever expected, and everything is healing remarkably well.
Trustpilot
Near Lara/speak English/top orthopedic
Top orthopedic. We needed a hand surgeon for our son who had an accident with a knife. Great Service via WhatsApp/speak English. Modern clinic. All innovative methods. State of art Equipment. Near hotels in Lara/Kundu. Also good for international tourists.
Google
I had a bit of a medical emergency during my trip to Antalya, and I'm so glad I found this clinic. They managed to squeeze me in right away and built a care program that worked perfectly with the rest of my stay. The doctor was wonderful, and having a translator there made the whole process stress-free. I felt truly well-cared for at every appointment!
WhatClinic
Dr Mesut and the team were exceptional and delivered excellent service. My issue was well investigated and management options/plans were provided. I am well satisfied with the service and happy with the outcome. Thank you again
Google
Service was excellent. I’m forever grateful to Surgeon Mesut Sancmis for taking care of me. I’m still recovering and have a follow up coming soon but I’m confident I will recover 100%. The whole staff was very attentive and professional. Starting with the driver he was so helpful and nice assisting me with my wheelchair. Amy who was with me throughout the whole process made sure all my needs and concerns were addressed. I didn’t feel there was a language barrier because she was there to translate and facilitate all my needs. Even after discharge Dr Mesut and Amy visit me multiple times to check on me and make sure everything was going well. I highly recommend them. Dr Mesut Sancmis is an awesome surgeon I’m glad I found him and if I ever need surgery again i will choose him, I highly recommend him. Thank you 🙏🏽
Google
My wife had a knee injection at MSM Klinik in Antalya in Turkey last year. She had been suffering from severe knee pain for several years and the injection really helped her regain mobility. So, we returned to MSM Klinik this year, where she has now had a second injection, which we expect will help her sustain her ability to walk at least another six months free of pain. My wife has been referred to NHS orthopedic specialists in the UK and is waiting for their diagnosis also. Waiting times are very long still in the UK, so the assistance provided by MSM Klinik in Turkey in the meantime has been extremely helpful.
WhatClinic
I visited Antalya in early May of 2025, while experiencing acute sciatica pain going down my left leg. I got in touch with MSM Klinik and had the exam scheduled promptly after talking over the phone with the staff. I had the X-rays and MRI done very promptly at Yasam Hastanesi Life Hospital. MSM Klinik staff, Mr. Mursel, took me to the hospital and was with me there while I was getting the x-rays and MRI done. Then he drove me back to the MSM Klinik where we reviewed the results with the Doctor. The Doctor appeared very knowledgeable and offered an effective treatment plan. However, it was beyond my budget. I continued to manage my back pain with NSAID.
I'm giving 5 starts for the service and promptness, but not for any medical procedure as no medical procedure was done.
The Doctor, his assistant Mr. Murcel, and the office staff were very kind, professional and attentive to my issue, which deserves a 5 star review.
The MRI, x-rays and the consultation were reasonably priced.
Google
I couldn't recommend this clinic more!
In addition to achieving my desired results, the clinic and doctor were constantly in touch with me (both in person and by phone) and responded quickly to any questions or concerns I had. This gave me peace of mind and made the process feel much easier, while giving me confidence in it.
Google
Challenging or mild conditions require the type of specific attention provided! Dr. Mesut Sancmis Ortopedi and his entire staff are highly knowledgeable and solution focused! It is incredible to witness the difference their patient care delivers. Do you have back pain, shoulder issues, orthopedic problems, here’s your source for these and MUCH more! Please don’t hesitate to book your 1st consultation to start on the path of healing!
Google
The staff / ladies at the clinic are very professional, friendly and cute,,,, nothing is too much trouble.
Dr Mesut is also very Professional and knowledgeable, and if his treatment works successfully, which i have no doubt about, I will return annually for check overs / mot.
If not I will return just once,,,, for a refund 😂🤣
Seriously he is very very good, i totally recommend him and his team and I have experienced hospitals / clinics all over the world due to my previous life racing Speedway,,,, tge racing was fine,,,, the crashes were the problem.
01 / 14
Ratings as shown on each platform on 15 October 2026. Reviews cover a range of treatments and are the opinions of individual patients.
Accommodation
Accommodation in Antalya
Ask the team about accommodation at Ramada Plaza Antalya and the arrangements relevant to your planned stay.CONFIRM: partnership
Ramada Plaza AntalyaPartner hotel · on the cliffs, next to the old town
~10 minto the clinic
On sitesea platform
~20 minfrom the airport
Distances are approximate.CONFIRM
Everything set up for recovery
Accessible roomSpace for crutches and a wheelchair
No. Poor sitting habits or carrying a school bag are not established causes of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The diagnosis should not be treated as a failure to stand correctly.
Can I Continue Sport with Scoliosis?
Many people can remain active. Restrictions depend on symptoms, the underlying condition and any treatment; a scoliosis diagnosis alone does not require avoiding all sport.
Can Scoliosis Progress After Growth Stops?
Some curves remain stable, while others progress in adulthood. Curve size, spinal degeneration and balance help determine the need for continued review.
Will Surgery Remove Every Visible Asymmetry?
Not necessarily. Shoulder, waist or rib differences may remain after correction. Discuss the expected functional and appearance changes before making a decision.
The information on this page has been reviewed by Dr. Sançmış. It does not replace an individual medical consultation.
Enquiry
Arrange a Scoliosis Assessment in Antalya
Contact Dr. Sançmış's team about scoliosis treatment in Turkey. Share the patient's age, previous curve measurements, available images and the concerns you would like assessed.
1
Send your enquiry
Tell the team what you would like to discuss.
2
The team gets in touch
They explain the next steps and whether any reports or images are needed.
3
Orthopaedic assessment
Options are discussed with Dr. Sançmış once the relevant information is available.
