Alyssa Crumb was just 11 years old when her life took an unexpected turn during a routine wellness exam on May 26, 2020. During a simple bend-down test, her pediatrician noticed something unusual – her spine was curving. It was a discovery that would set the course for a challenging, but ultimately transformative, journey.
At the time, Alyssa had grown six inches in just two years, and she hadn’t experienced any pain. However, her rapid growth spurt had taken a toll on her body. The curvature of her spine caused her abdomen to protrude, and her back was becoming increasingly misaligned. Scoliosis hadn’t been a concern just a year earlier, but now it had become significant, especially as her growth continued to accelerate.
Alyssa’s mom, Deanna, wanted to take a more conservative approach to Alyssa’s condition.
“I didn’t want to rush into surgery,” Deanna recalls. “I was hoping to find other ways to manage it, especially since Alyssa was still growing into her body.”
But as time went on, Deanna found herself unsure of the best course of action. The local hospital where they first sought care strongly recommended surgery, which left her feeling uneasy. She wanted to explore all possible options before making a life-changing decision.
Determined to find an alternative, Deanna began searching for different treatments. Alyssa started seeing a chiropractor and wore a Boston brace for six months, but the brace didn’t fit properly, and progress was slow.
A scoliosis brace is a custom-made hard plastic jacket designed to hold the spine in a straighter position and prevent further curvature as a child grows. While bracing helps slow or stop the progression of scoliosis, it does not reverse or cure the condition.
Not satisfied with the results, Deanna looked deeper into other braces and scoliosis treatments. Deanna discovered the Schroth Method – a specialized exercise program designed to improve scoliosis. She introduced it to Alyssa, and together they spent an hour and a half each day performing exercises using the stall bar.
Despite these efforts, Alyssa’s spinal curve continued to progress, and her new Brace, the Rigo Cheneau, continued to cause frustration. Alyssa wore it for two and a half years, but it was exhausting, especially when it didn’t fit correctly and caused discomfort.
“It was hard to wear it every day,” Alyssa recalls. “Taking it off and putting it back on was painful, and I just didn’t want to do it anymore.”
In her search for better answers, Deanna heard about Dr. Torin Cunningham, a pediatric orthopedic specialist at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital in Long Beach. Referred by a trusted source, Deanna decided to take Alyssa to see him at the Fountain Valley Outpatient Specialty Center, a satellite center of Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital. Located closer to their home in Orange County, this center allowed Alyssa and her family to benefit from the expertise of a leading pediatric specialist without having to travel far.
At their first appointment, Dr. Cunningham’s approach was a breath of fresh air. He didn’t push for immediate surgery. Instead, he took the time to thoroughly explain Alyssa’s condition and the available options.
“Scoliosis is a highly individualized condition, and no two cases are exactly alike,” says Torin Cunningham, M.D., medical director, Orthopedic Center, Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital. “At Miller Children’s & Women’s, we take a patient-centered approach, carefully listening and evaluating each child’s unique circumstances, spinal curvature, growth patterns, and treatment response. For Alyssa, it was important to explore all conservative treatment options before considering surgery.”
To gain a clearer understanding of Alyssa’s scoliosis, Dr. Cunningham recommended advanced imaging at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital’s Orthopedic Center. Within the Orthopedic Center is Miller Children’s & Women’s Scoliosis and Spine Deformities Program.
“Miller Children’s & Women’s has the only spinal deformities program in Long Beach and is one of only four in Southern California – providing specialized, individualized orthopedic care for children of all ages,” says Dr. Cunningham. “Because children’s bones are significantly different from those of adults, our pediatric orthopedic surgeons undergo extensive, detailed training to address pediatric-specific conditions and injuries effectively.”
Alyssa underwent imaging with the EOS Imaging System, a groundbreaking technology that provides detailed 2D and 3D images of pediatric patients in a standing position with minimal radiation exposure. Unlike traditional X-rays, which expose patients to higher radiation levels, the EOS system captures two simultaneous images using perpendicular X-ray beams, scanning from head to toe in just 20 seconds. The result is two simultaneous, high-quality images providing
Dr. Cunningham a clear and precise 3D model of Alyssa’s spine.
“I advised Deanna and Alyssa to continue with the conservative treatments and return in six months to assess Alyssa's condition,” says Dr. Cunningham. “When Alyssa returned for her follow-up, it was evident that her scoliosis had progressed despite conservative treatment.”
Alyssa’s last growth spurt had caused her curve to increase from 60 degrees to 85 degrees in her lumbar spine.
“At that point, we discussed the benefits of spinal fusion surgery, ensuring Alyssa and her family had all the information needed to make an informed decision,” says Dr. Cunningham. “Our goal was not just to correct her curvature but to improve her long-term quality of life.”
Deanna and Alyssa realized surgery through Miller Children’s Surgical Center was now the best option for long-term relief.
In April 2024, they made the decision. The surgery, scheduled for July 16, 2024, would involve a spinal fusion from T-2 to L-4, with rods inserted to stabilize her spine. To treat scoliosis in pediatric patients between 10 and 16 years of age, doctors often perform surgery to fuse some of the vertebrae. This is a permanent solution to straighten the spine and hold it in place.
When it came time for surgery, Dr. Cunningham used additional advanced technology, the 7D Surgical System. This revolutionary image-guided navigation system gave him a 3D view of Alyssa’s spine during the procedure, allowing him to precisely plan and navigate the surgery. The technology helped Dr. Cunningham visualize her spine in real time, ensuring the most accurate surgical approach for the best possible outcome.
“The real-time 3D visualization ensures that every screw and rod is placed with absolute accuracy, leading to safer procedures and better outcomes for our patients,” says Dr. Cunningham.
With the help of these advanced technologies, Alyssa’s surgery was not only successful but also highly personalized to her unique spinal anatomy.
“When she woke up from the surgery, she was relieved that it was finally over,” says Deanna. “It felt less stressful than we had imagined. We were just so grateful it was done.”
After the surgery, Alyssa spent several days in the Cherese Mari Laulhere Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, where the care she received from nurses and child life specialists helped her recover.
“The nurses were incredible,” says Deanna. “They kept Alyssa comfortable and supported us through some tough days.”
Despite the challenges, Alyssa’s recovery was swift. Within just a few days, she was walking up and down stairs and regaining strength.
“I wasn’t expecting much correction after surgery,” Alyssa says. “But when I first saw my spine, it was hard to believe that it was mine.”
Today, Alyssa is thriving. The pain that once limited her is gone, and she’s regained the strength and flexibility she lost to scoliosis. More importantly, she’s regained her confidence.
“I’m so much happier now,” says Alyssa. “I can do things I couldn’t do before, like wear the clothes I want and feel more confident.”
For Deanna, the journey has been emotional.
“It was hard to let go of the idea of avoiding surgery, but we made the right choice. Alyssa is thriving because of it,” she says. “It was a long process, but I’m grateful for Dr. Cunningham’s approach and for the support we received throughout the journey. Alyssa is much happier now.”
Looking back, Deanna has no regrets.
“If I could give one piece of advice to other parents, it would be to trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to get a second opinion. We found the right doctor who gave us the time and attention we needed.”
Alyssa’s story is a reminder of the importance of trust, perseverance, and the power of informed decisions. It’s a testament to the strength and resilience of a young patient and the unwavering support of a dedicated family and medical team, who together helped guide Alyssa toward a brighter, pain-free future.
“Watching Alyssa go through this process has been a truly humbling experience,” says Kathleen (Kathie) Mais, RN, Orthopedic Center, Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital. “It’s a lot for families and their children to process, especially when faced with such a big surgery at such a young age. I’m constantly amazed by their strength and courage, and Alyssa’s recovery has been nothing short of inspiring.”
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