There are a small number of doctors who specialize in scoliosis surgeries in the United States.
Drs. Richard Hostin, MD, Shyam Kishan, MD, and Kathryn Wiesman, MD have been treating pediatric scoliosis for more than 40 years.
Pediatric Scoliosis – Treating Children Through Adulthood
In many cases, children with scoliosis can get treated with a brace, but in cases where a patient’s curve increases with pain, doctors may suggest surgery. Doctors classify scoliosis as a condition that can lead to severe deformity if not treated. Diagnosing this condition early enables treatments that can make a big difference.
The Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute is one of the leading centers for pediatric spine care. We offer cutting-edge techniques for children with early-onset scoliosis, infantile scoliosis, and other conditions in the spines of children.
Understanding The Causes of Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a medical condition characterized by an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine. Understanding its causes is essential for diagnosis and treatment. Here are some primary factors:
Idiopathic Scoliosis
- Unknown Origins: The most common type of scoliosis, especially in adolescents, has no known cause. This form is referred to as idiopathic scoliosis.
- Genetic Factors: There is a genetic predisposition, meaning it can run in families, suggesting heredity might play a role.
Congenital Scoliosis
- Birth Defects: Congenital scoliosis occurs due to malformations of the spine that develop in utero. These abnormalities are present at birth.
- Spinal Development: Issues such as fused vertebrae or vertebrae that grow incompletely can lead to this type.
Neuromuscular Scoliosis
- Neurological Conditions: Associated with disorders like muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy, which affect muscle control and nerve function.
- Muscle Weakness: The inability of muscles to support the spine appropriately can lead to curvature.
Degenerative Scoliosis
- Aging Process: Typically seen in older adults, this form arises due to the degeneration of the spine and intervertebral discs.
- Arthritis and Osteoporosis: These conditions weaken the spine structurally, leading to scoliosis over time.
Other Factors
- Injuries: Traumatic injuries to the spinal column can result in scoliosis due to misalignment during the healing process.
- Infection or Tumors: In rare cases, infections or tumors in or around the spine might contribute to abnormal curvature.
Understanding these causes helps medical professionals determine the best course of action for treatment and management, tailoring interventions to the underlying factors that contribute to the condition. Parents who discover that their child has scoliosis often blame themselves for their child’s condition. You don’t need to blame yourself. The exact cause of certain types of scoliosis is still not known. The heavy backpack they carry to school did not cause the condition. As a result, a parent cannot prevent the condition from developing. Although scoliosis runs in the family, a child might develop it first in a family.
Questions and Answers
What is Pediatric Scoliosis?
Pediatric scoliosis is a condition characterized by an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine in children and adolescents. The curvature can occur in different regions of the spine and can vary in severity. The causes stems from various factors, including genetic predisposition, neuromuscular conditions, or congenital abnormalities. Pediatric scoliosis can affect a child’s posture, spinal alignment, and overall growth and development.
How is Pediatric Scoliosis Diagnosed?
Diagnosing pediatric scoliosis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies. The process may include:
- Medical history and physical examination: The doctor will inquire about symptoms, and family history, and perform a physical examination to assess spinal alignment, range of motion, and any signs of associated conditions.
- X-rays: X-rays of the spine are commonly used to assess the degree and pattern of the spinal curvature. They help determine the type of scoliosis and measure the curvature angle, aiding in treatment planning and monitoring.
- Additional tests: In some cases, additional imaging studies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans may be recommended to evaluate the spine and surrounding structures more comprehensively.
What are the Treatment Options for Pediatric Scoliosis?
The treatment of pediatric scoliosis depends on various factors, including the age of the child, the severity and progression of the curvature, and any associated symptoms. Treatment options may include:
- Observation: For mild cases or when the child is still growing, close observation may be recommended to monitor the progression of the curvature. Regular follow-up visits and periodic X-rays are conducted to assess any changes.
- Bracing: Bracing may be prescribed for moderate curves or to prevent further progression. The type of brace and duration of wear depends on the specific characteristics of scoliosis.
- Surgery: Surgery is typically considered for severe or rapidly progressing curves, as well as curves that cause significant pain or compromise lung or heart function. The goal of surgery is to correct the curvature and stabilize the spine using techniques such as spinal fusion or instrumentation.
Symptoms of Scoliosis in Children
Signs of scoliosis usually get noticed in the preteen years and it occurs more in girls than boys. Parents may detect a fullness on one side of the child’s back when he or she bends over. They may also notice that the child’s clothes don’t hang properly.
Some of the signs of scoliosis in children include the following:
- A more prominent shoulder blade
- A shoulder blade appears higher than the other
- The head does not align perfectly with the rest of the body
- A curve in the spine or middle of the back
- When the child bends forward, one area of the back appears higher than the other
- Uneven hips
- Uneven waistline
Pediatric Scoliosis — Complex and Rare
Children with cerebral palsy have the potential to get scoliosis during their early years. Pediatric scoliosis is closely related to the severity of cerebral palsy and often continues to progress after the skeletal system has matured. Although we know the actual cause of certain types of scoliosis, the following conditions can increase the risk of developing scoliosis:
Age
Scoliosis can occur at any age. However, it usually happens between 9 and 15 years.
Gender
Males and females usually have mild scoliosis at about the same rate. However, females are about five times more likely to develop severe spinal curves that require treatment.
Genetics
Since scoliosis runs in families, scientists and doctors believe genetics may cause the condition. Our doctors report that school-age children suffer from Scoliosis more than any other spinal condition. About 3 million new cases of this condition get diagnosed every year in the United States. Most of those diagnosed suffer from adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Doctors perform about 29,000 surgeries on children from 11 to 18 every year in the United States.
There are different types of scoliosis affecting children:
- Infantile idiopathic scoliosis: This type affects children between 0 and 3 years.
- Juvenile idiopathic scoliosis: This type affects children between 4 and 10 years.
- Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: This type affects children between 11 and 18 years.
- Congenital scoliosis: This occurs when the spine fails to develop properly in the womb.
- Neuromuscular scoliosis: This type of scoliosis occurs because of a disorder in the brain, spinal cord, or muscular system.
- Syndromic scoliosis: This type of scoliosis develops as a result of an underlying disorder like muscular dystrophy and Marfan syndrome.
- Idiopathic scoliosis: relates to a type that doctors and medical researchers do not know the cause of.
- Early-onset scoliosis; is a form of scoliosis that is detected in children below the age of 10.
Early Diagnosis is Important
If you want your child to have the best outcome, an early diagnosis becomes important. If scoliosis is detected before the child develops a growth spurt, it is easier to determine the treatment plan that will prevent a bigger curve while the child continues to grow. As a result, parents need to closely examine their children, and if they become suspicious or see any signs they should make an appointment with a scoliosis doctor at the Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute. Children with scoliosis should have their spinal curves monitored by a doctor during adolescence, with examinations typically recommended every four to six months if there is a concern that the curve is becoming more severe.
Pediatric Scoliosis Screening
School health screening often helps to identify scoliosis, and we want to see those patients as soon as possible. Once seen, the doctors may suggest bracing. The sooner it gets used the sooner improvement will occur. Most children with scoliosis do not need complex treatments, but they need at least two routine exams per year by a Scoliosis doctor. Most often, we assure parents that we either need to observe their child for four to six months or that the risk of the curve growing does not exist and that they don’t need to come back. In the event the child does need treatment, we will discuss the options with the parents.
Diagnosis
Sometimes Doctors find diagnosing scoliosis in young children difficult. In some cases, spinal curves stand out, but sometimes they do not appear because of a very slight curve. Our doctors find that parents will ignore scoliosis symptoms until the early puberty stage when children experience rapid growth. Since early diagnosis constitutes an important part of treatment, parents should check children and pre-teens regularly for signs of a spinal condition.
X-Rays
The X-ray remains the primary tool for diagnosing scoliosis. Doctors see spinal curves by looking at the child’s back, but an X-ray will allow a doctor to verify his visual exam and see the spinal column clearly to determine the degree of the curve.
The technicians will take the X-rays from the child’s back. They may also get taken from the side in some cases. The doctor may also request an EOS X-ray that takes mages with a lower amount of radiation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may also take images.
In addition to taking X-rays, the doctor will also obtain the full medical history of the child. The doctor will also carry out a detailed physical exam to detect numbness, muscle weakness, and abnormal reflexes.
How Is Scoliosis In Children Classified By Age And Managed
Scoliosis in children is classified by age into three main categories: infantile, juvenile, and adolescent scoliosis. Each category has specific characteristics and management approaches:
Classification by Age
Infantile Scoliosis (0-3 years):
- Characteristics: Diagnosed in children under 3 years old. Doctors will diagnose this scoliosis as either congenital (due to vertebral anomalies) or idiopathic (unknown cause). Infantile idiopathic scoliosis is rare, more common in boys, and often resolves spontaneously.
- Management: Observation is key for mild curves. For more significant curves, doctors may suggest casting or bracing. In severe cases, doctors will recommend surgical intervention.
Juvenile Scoliosis (4-10 years):
- Characteristics: Diagnosed in children between 4 and 10 years old. This type is less common than adolescent scoliosis but has a higher risk of progression due to the remaining growth period.
- Management: Regular monitoring with X-rays to assess curve progression. Bracing is commonly used to prevent the worsening of the curve. Surgery is considered for severe or progressive cases.
Adolescent Scoliosis (11-18 years):
- Characteristics: Diagnosed in children and adolescents aged 11 to 18 years. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common form and typically appears during the growth spurt of puberty.
- Management: Observation for mild curves (under 20 degrees). Bracing is recommended for moderate curves (20-40 degrees) to prevent further progression. Surgical intervention (spinal fusion) is considered for severe curves (over 40-50 degrees) or those that are rapidly progressing.
Management Approaches
Observation:
- For mild curves, especially in infantile and adolescent scoliosis, regular follow-up with physical exams and periodic X-rays to monitor curve progression.
Bracing:
- Used to prevent further curve progression in juvenile and adolescent scoliosis. The type of brace and duration of wear depends on the severity and location of the curve, as well as the child’s remaining growth.
Physical Therapy:
- PT can act as a supportive treatment to improve posture, strength, and flexibility. Specific scoliosis exercise programs, like the Schroth method, may benefit children with scoliosis.
Casting:
- Mainly used in infantile scoliosis to correct the curve without surgery. Serial casting involves the application of casts at intervals to gradually correct the spinal alignment.
Surgical Intervention:
- Considered for severe or progressive curves that do not respond to bracing. The most common surgical procedure is spinal fusion, which involves the correction and stabilization of the curved spine using rods, screws, and bone grafts. Growing rod surgery or VEPTR (Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib) may benefit very young children to allow for continued growth of the spine.
Conclusion
Management of scoliosis in children is age-specific and depends on the severity and progression of the curve. Early detection and appropriate intervention are crucial to preventing complications and ensuring optimal outcomes. Regular follow-ups with a pediatric orthopedist are essential to tailor the treatment plan to the individual needs of each child.
Only Some Forms of Pediatric Scoliosis Require Treatment
A scoliosis diagnosis can scare parents and children and will cause parents to ask lots of questions. We like those questions as the more you know about the condition, the less you will worry. We want you to know that we treat scoliosis very successfully. Most children diagnosed with scoliosis will not need treatment. For some serious cases, treatment will involve a brace, and then only a very small percentage will require surgery.
People with a 15-degree or less spinal curve may find that their small curve will not grow over time. A child that has a 20 to 40-degree spinal curve (and still has 2 more years of growth) will wear a brace as a form of treatment.
Patients who have at least a 50-degree curve will most likely require surgery to treat the condition. The standard method for correcting such conditions is spinal fusion. Other treatments may also include growing rods, anterior vertebral body tethering, or surgery with fusion.
How to Determine a Treatment Plan
A scoliosis doctor will determine your child’s treatment plan by considering the results obtained from the child’s physical exam, X-rays, and the following factors:
- The age, health, and medical condition of the child
- Extent of curvature
- The type of scoliosis the child has
- The child’s tolerance for a particular treatment method
- Parental Opinions
- The course of the specific case
The main goal of a pediatric scoliosis treatment plan is to stop the curve from growing and correct an existing spinal curve. If children with moderate or severe cases of scoliosis do not receive proper treatment, the curves will increase by one degree every year or every growth period. Without treatment, a child will develop a deformity and may find it difficult to breathe if the rib cage compresses against their lungs and heart.
Pediatric Scoliosis Treatment
Not all children diagnosed with scoliosis require treatment. For mild scoliosis cases, our pediatric spine specialists help prevent the condition from getting worse or leading to uneven hips, rotating spine, breathing problems, and other complications. In situations of mild scoliosis where the doctors do not recommend any treatment, your child should get examined by a spine specialist every six months, especially when the child experiences rapid growth.
Most patients with mild curves, especially children with idiopathic scoliosis, do not need any treatment. However, they need a doctor to examine them on a routine basis. Pediatric scoliosis treatment comprises both surgical and non-surgical options. Non-surgical treatment focuses on preventing the curve from worsening. It also involves cosmetic improvement.
Observation
Many children do not require surgery or a special brace for scoliosis treatment. Furthermore, children, in particular, need a doctor to examine them before and during their growth spurts to identify any changes in their curves.
For instance, our practice uses the advanced EOS 2D/3D imaging system. This system provides high-quality X-ray images while delivering 50% to 85% less radiation than traditional digital X-ray systems. Also, reducing the dose of radiation becomes very beneficial for children who require frequent imaging. In this case, we know that children are sensitive to the effects of radiation and we do everything in our power to avoid excess.
Scoliosis brace
For large curves in children or curves that progress, we commonly recommend a scoliosis brace. In many cases, a brace can reduce the chance of a curve growing bigger and needing surgery.
Physical therapy
While not shown to alter the rate of a curve growing in either adults or children, exercise programs often help improve back pain.
Emotional support
Children with scoliosis may become conscious of their posture and appearance when they wear a back brace. When children do not want to let others see them with a brace, a support group may help in dealing with these self-image problems.
Alternative Pediatric Scoliosis Treatment
According to the Scoliosis Research Society, chiropractic medicine, yoga, physical therapy, and other treatments for preventing the spinal curves from growing do not result in any scientific role in treating scoliosis.
How Can Customized Home Exercises Help in Scoliosis Treatment?
Customized home exercises play a crucial role in scoliosis treatment by offering targeted interventions to slow down the condition’s progression. These exercises are tailored to each individual’s specific spinal curvature and unique needs, ensuring maximum efficacy. Here’s how they help:
- Strengthening Core Muscles: Focused exercises improve the strength and stability of the core muscles, which support the spine. Stronger core muscles can better maintain spinal alignment and reduce strain on the spine.
- Enhancing Posture: Tailored exercises encourage proper posture, mitigating the abnormal curvature associated with scoliosis. Good posture can help reduce discomfort and prevent further spinal deformity.
- Increasing Flexibility: Customized routines often include stretches that enhance flexibility, making the spine and surrounding muscles more pliable. Increased flexibility allows for better movement and can alleviate some of the rigidity associated with scoliosis.
- Pain Relief: By reducing muscle tension and improving overall spinal health, these exercises can significantly alleviate pain. Regular practice helps in addressing the muscular imbalances that often cause discomfort in scoliosis patients.
- Slowing Progression: Individualized exercise plans are designed to slow the progressive nature of scoliosis. By maintaining muscle balance and spinal alignment, these exercises help prevent further deterioration of the spinal curvature.
In summary, customized home exercises are integral to scoliosis treatment. They strengthen muscles, improve posture, increase flexibility, relieve pain, and slow the condition’s progression, making them a vital part of managing scoliosis effectively.
Pediatric Scoliosis Surgery
Scoliosis surgery aims for several crucial outcomes to improve patient quality of life. Here are the main goals for the surgeons at the Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute:
- Halt Further Progression of the Curve: The primary reason for opting for surgery in scoliosis cases is to stop the curvature from advancing. Intervention is intended to permanently stabilize the spine, ensuring that the curve does not continue to increase.
- Rectify the Spinal Deformity: Effective scoliosis surgery attempts to significantly correct the existing spinal curvature. Surgeons work to straighten the spine by approximately 50% to 70%, leading to improved posture and alignment. This not only helps in alleviating physical deformity but also aids in lessening associated symptoms such as the prominent rib hump.
- Preserve Overall Trunk Balance: Adjusting the spine entails meticulously considering the symmetry and balance of the entire trunk. Surgeons strive to retain or recreate the natural curvature of the spine while ensuring that the hips and legs remain as symmetrical as possible. This balanced approach contributes to a more natural posture and minimizes the physical stress on the body post-surgery.
However, it’s essential to understand the broader spectrum of traditional scoliosis treatment approaches, which often extend beyond surgical intervention.
Early Detection and Treatment Limitations
For adults, traditional treatment commonly leads to spinal fusion surgery due to the lack of proactive measures early in the condition’s progression. Even when scoliosis is detected early, traditional methods like bracing are typically not applied in a corrective manner.
Treatment Options for Mild and Moderate Cases
When an adult has a mild or moderate case of scoliosis, monitoring, and bracing are the primary forms of treatment before surgery is considered. Traditional braces mainly focus on stopping progression and providing short-term pain relief, but they do little in terms of actual correction.
Spinal-Fusion Surgery and Its Implications
Once scoliosis progresses past the surgical threshold (often at 40+ degrees), spinal fusion is recommended to prevent further progression. However, this does not equate to achieving corrective results such as curvature reductions or improved spinal stabilization.
Surgical Procedures
The surgeon may either use growth rods or carry out a spine fusion. Doctors can perform scoliosis surgery on children in many different ways. Most patients want to avoid surgery; but if scoliosis does not get treated, a growing spinal curve can affect the lungs and heart.
More often than not, children with scoliosis can get treated with a brace, but in cases where patients experience an increase in curvature and pain, doctors will suggest surgery. When surgery occurs, it requires a complex, multi-step procedure that takes between two and three hours. When a child needs scoliosis surgery to correct his or her condition, we can attend to those needs quickly and with the skill and precision of decades of experience.
The child will receive general anesthesia for most traditional scoliosis surgeries. He or she will also stay in the hospital for some days to recover from the surgery. The child may also need physical therapy. Depending on the specific surgical procedure used, children can return to school after 1 to 6 weeks.
Vertebral Body Tethering
One of our advanced pediatric procedures refers to Vertebral Body Tethering Surgery. Dr. Shyam Kishan is trained in the tethering procedure, which is a fairly new Scoliosis correction technique. With this procedure, fusing vertebrae is not needed and this allows motion in the spine with less scaring. This is a minimally invasive procedure whereby the surgeons will have access to the spine through different small incisions. The vertebral tethering system is a technique employed in fusionless spinal surgeries to correct curves in the spine. This method involves the surgical placement of screws along the side of the spinal curve. These screws are then connected by a flexible cord. By tightening this cord, the spine is gradually pulled into a straighter alignment. This approach allows for the correction of the spinal curvature without the need for traditional fusion, promoting a more natural range of motion and quicker recovery.
Spinal fusion surgery, a treatment option for conditions like scoliosis, offers both advantages and drawbacks worth considering. One of its primary benefits is its proven track record in providing long-term safety and successful outcomes. Modern techniques for spinal fusion have also evolved, allowing surgeons to fuse fewer vertebrae and thereby preserve more mobility in the spine compared to methods used in the past.
However, it’s important to recognize the potential downsides. A notable drawback of the surgery is the loss of mobility at the fusion sites. Once vertebrae are fused, those segments of the back can no longer move naturally, which means patients may experience limitations in bending and twisting movements post-surgery.
Risk Management
While spinal surgeons have their patient’s best interests at heart and any surgical procedure comes with its share of risks, spinal fusion is a lengthy and invasive procedure that has a long list of potential side effects and risks of complications. Some patients are disappointed with their level of spinal flexibility, back pain, and cosmetic results post-surgery. In weighing both sides, individuals considering this procedure should discuss their specific circumstances with healthcare professionals to fully understand the potential impacts on their function and quality of life.
Spinal fusion procedure
When addressing scoliosis in adolescents and young adults who are considering surgical options, spinal fusion stands out as the predominant procedure. This surgery is performed more frequently than any other intervention for this age group to correct scoliosis. It involves joining two or more vertebrae to prevent any further curvature of the spine, aiming to restore a more natural alignment. This is widely recognized as the main surgical course of action in managing scoliosis among teenagers and young adults.
Under this procedure, the surgeons will stabilize the spine with rods and pins (or screws). They will then fuse two or more vertebrae so that the curve can stop progressing while decreasing the current curve. Here at the Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute, we use the least invasive techniques to help your child recover quickly with fewer complications.
Spine osteotomies
Doctors select this procedure for severe cases of scoliosis. In this procedure, the surgeons will remove some of the bone in the spine to correct the spinal deformities. Depending on the amount of bone removed, this procedure takes at least a couple of hours.
Shilla growth procedure
This procedure involves fusing a short portion of the spine and placing rods above and below the curve to correct it. This helps the spine to grow naturally. The procedure lasts between 4 and 6 hours. If necessary, follow-up surgeries can occur to either remove or replace the rods.
Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib (VEPTR)
Doctors use This system for kids who are finding it difficult to breathe as a result of scoliosis. The procedure involves attaching expandable curved rods to the spine to straighten the spine and separate the ribs. This aids the growth and expansion of the lungs. As the child grows older, doctors can adjust the VEPTR system to accommodate the needs of the patient.
MAGEC growing rods
Magnetic Expansion Control rods (MAGEC) are used for kids who need different surgeries as they grow older. The rods are lengthened using an external magnetic motor which is placed on the child’s back. This procedure is non-invasive and it is repeated every 3 to 6 months for 3 years.
Complications of Untreated Pediatric Scoliosis
A child with scoliosis can suffer from different physical, emotional, and social challenges. Many children do not want to wear their braces to school and among their friends, and therefore, avoid treatment. If your child experiences pain, we urge you to bring your child to us.
When the curve becomes detected early, our doctors can address the symptoms and begin treatment to prevent the curve from progressing. However, if left untreated, the condition can lead to heart- and lung-related problems. Once the spinal curve gets identified, children should undergo regular checkups to monitor any progression.
Health challenges
Although health issues may not occur until the child gets older when changes can occur. if the curve progresses, it can negatively impact the heart and lung functions. Also, although children may not feel pain at the moment, the abnormal posture can affect activity, and cause discomfort and arthritis as they grow.
Appearance
The signs and symptoms of scoliosis affect the shape of the child’s body. If the curve worsens, the physical changes become glaring even when the child puts on clothes. This affects the child’s self-esteem and also affects their body image.
Recovery Time for Scoliosis Surgery
Most patients undergoing spinal fusion for scoliosis can expect a hospital stay of around three to five days. Within a day of surgery, patients typically begin working with a physical therapist to start standing and moving.
Return to Daily Activities
For children and teens, the path to resuming daily activities is fairly swift:
- School: They can usually return to school within four to six weeks.
- Full Activity: Resumption of full physical activity generally occurs at the three-month mark.
Complete Healing
The overall healing process for scoliosis surgery, including bone fusion and muscle recovery, can take anywhere from six to twelve months. During this period, follow-up appointments and rehabilitation exercises are crucial for ensuring proper healing and the best outcomes.
Combined Procedures
Patients who undergo both anterior and posterior spinal procedures might experience a slightly longer hospital stay compared to those having only posterior fusion. However, modern surgical techniques have significantly reduced recovery times compared to the prolonged hospitalization and use of body casts or traction common in past decades.
Rehabilitation protocols and individualized care plans are critical in guiding patients through their recovery and helping them return to a normal lifestyle as soon as possible.
Post-Surgery Realities
While spinal surgeons aim to provide the best outcomes, spinal fusion is a lengthy and invasive procedure that carries a list of potential side effects and risks. Some patients experience disappointment with reduced spinal flexibility, persistent back pain, and cosmetic results post-surgery.
By understanding the entire spectrum of traditional scoliosis treatment—from early detection and non-surgical options to the realities of spinal fusion surgery—patients can make more informed decisions about their treatment path. This comprehensive approach ensures that the goals of surgery align with the broader objectives of scoliosis management.
These targeted goals of scoliosis surgery are designed to address both the physical deformities and the functional limitations caused by the condition, thereby enhancing the patient’s lifestyle and comfort. Because non-surgical treatments may not work in some cases, surgery becomes the best choice to correct the curve. Factors that determine if a child needs scoliosis surgery include:
- The severity of the curve. (curves greater than 45 to 50 degrees classify as severe)
- The rate at which the curve grows
- A child’s age, and
- The symptoms and overall health condition of the child
Financial and Insurance Options for Scoliosis Treatment
When it comes to covering the costs of scoliosis treatment, we offer several flexible options to suit your needs. We understand that health insurance can become complicated. That’s why we work with a wide range of insurance providers to ensure you get the coverage you need. Our team can help verify your insurance benefits and explain what your insurance coverage will pay for your child’s treatment.
If you do not have insurance or if your plan only partially covers the treatment, we can suggest several financing plans. These plans allow you to spread the cost of treatment over a manageable period without having to worry about high interest rates.
We aim to make your path to recovery as stress-free as possible, both medically and financially. Reach out to our financial advisors who can guide you through your payment options and work out a plan that fits your budget.
Why Choose Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute?
The Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute has a team of board-certified doctors and highly experienced and trained specialists from different disciplines to give your child the care he or she needs to return quickly to the activities he or she loves.
Our team for treating pediatric scoliosis includes:
- Board-certified orthopedic surgeons
- Registered nurses who specialize in orthopedics
- Orthopedic specialists
- Advanced practice nurses and physician assistants who are committed to the best care possible
- Physical and occupational therapists
- Medical imaging experts
Our board-certified orthopedic nurses provide the best care to obtain the very best results. In addition to these, there are other reasons why you should use our pediatric scoliosis treatment service for your child:
Latest technology
One of the most difficult areas of treating scoliosis is determining the patients that will progress to a severe condition and require treatment. Being able to predict scoliosis progression at an early stage improves treatment and makes it safer, more patient-friendly, and more effective. Our scoliosis doctors provide the best and latest scoliosis treatments for children, including a series of minimally invasive scoliosis surgeries.
Personalized care
We focus on providing professional pediatric scoliosis treatment to keep your child active and healthy. In addition to providing the best form of treatment possible, we are ready to answer any questions you have at any point during the treatment and encourage parents to learn as much as possible about their child’s scoliosis.
Experienced and reliable expertise
The Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute’s pediatric treatment program involves services for pediatric spinal disorders. As an institute with several specialists, our expertise comes from years of experience and a solid root in scientific and medical knowledge. We apply research-based care to every patient we treat.
We understand that you want to make the most informed decisions for your child’s scoliosis treatment. Because of this, we will give you the details you need to know about your child’s scoliosis so that you can have the information you need.
Low-radiation imaging
We use a low-radiation imaging system wherever possible. This limits the amount of radiation that your child is exposed to if X-rays will continue throughout the years to come.
A team of experienced specialists
Our pediatric scoliosis doctors have advanced training and expertise in diagnosing and treating several types of scoliosis in kids. Our team of neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, anesthesiologists, pediatricians, neurologists, and physical therapists will provide the care your child needs to return to the suspended activities.
The dedicated pediatric intensive care unit at Medical City Hospital will cater to your child’s well-being and will also help your child understand what to expect. Our support staff will also help your child recover quickly with no complications. Our surgeons are up-to-date with the most recent scientific discoveries and pediatric scoliosis treatment options. We can explore ways to enhance your child’s activities and reduce the recovery phase after surgery.
Contact Us to Schedule an Appointment
At our clinic, we understand the individual needs of each patient, especially when it comes to managing conditions like scoliosis. We consider the future growth of each patient as an important component of the treatment plan. Our approach helps children experience the least disruption to their daily routine. Recognizing that children play sports, games, and fun activities, we tailor our treatments to fit into their lively worlds.
To provide you with the most relevant and specialized information about managing and treating scoliosis, we invite you to share your information with us. This enables us to deliver customized content directly addressing your concerns and questions about scoliosis.
Please, get in touch with us today to learn more about your child’s scoliosis and to discuss treatment options that will improve your child’s quality of life. Reach out for more information tailored specifically to your needs. Your child’s health and happiness are our top priorities, and we are here to support every step of their journey with expert care and comprehensive information.
The Objectives of Scoliosis Surgery at the Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute
Let’s Give Your Child a Bright Future
With today’s technology and medical advancements, treating your child with Pediatric scoliosis can lead to a very successful life for the child. Fortunately, new treatments can help to manage and correct the curve in the spine. Through your support, coupled with the dedication of our scoliosis experts and specialists, we will help your child get on the road to leading a happy life.
The pediatric scoliosis treatment team at the Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute is available to ensure your child’s continued health. Our doctors stand ready to speak with you about the many ways to treat scoliosis in children. So, call us today at 214-556-0555 to schedule an appointment.
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American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Pediatric Scoliosis
Growing up, Joy suffered from severe scoliosis which stopped her from many activities she loved. Joy’s mother brought her to us for an eval. Dr. Shyam Kishan examined Joy and met with her family to discuss a scoliosis treatment plan, Dr. Kishan explained everything — every step of the way. After her successful surgery, Joy resumed all the activities she loves, like archery, horseback riding, and biking to name a few. Call today to schedule an appointment. ~ Joy, Scoliosis Patient
If your child suffers from scoliosis, call Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute for an examination today at 214-556-0555.