Scoliosis and Spine Deformities Program

Our board-certified pediatric orthopedic surgeons are specially trained in pediatric spine trauma, spinal deformity and musculoskeletal abnormalities. We provide acute and chronic orthopedic care for infants, children and adolescents with skeletal (bone) maturity.

Our orthopedic care team provides comprehensive evaluation, diagnostic care, treatment and management for all spine disorders, including:

• Fractures and dislocations of the spine
• Spinal cord injury and trauma
• Spine conditions, such as scoliosis, kyphosis, spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis
• Neuromuscular disorders, such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida and muscular dystrophies
• Disorders of the cervical spine, including Klippel-Feil syndrome, upper cervical instability, Down's syndrome and swan neck deformity

Evaluation & Diagnostic Care

X-rays are the primary diagnostic tool to detect spine deformities, especially in scoliosis and kyphosis, and show atypical curve patterns or congenital scoliosis. The physician measures the degree of spinal curvature on the x-ray. Orthopedic diagnostic care will ensure proper diagnosis for spinal deformities. Some of these tests are done in our Cherese Mari Laulhere Imaging Center. Early detection is important for successful treatment.

EOS Imaging System

We offer the EOS Imaging System, which provides full-body, 2D and 3D images of pediatric patients in a standing position at a low dose of radiation. EOS is a device that captures bi-planar images with two perpendicular X-ray beams that travel vertically while scanning the patient from head to toe, which is particularly helpful for children with scoliosis.

“Growing” Surgical Techniques

To address the limitations of spinal bracing and fusion for treatment of severe scoliosis in young children, we offer a spinal implant surgery to stop the progression of scoliosis.

During the operation, “magnetic growing rods” are implanted in the spine. The rods are lengthened every several months using an external magnet to allow the spine to grow rather than requiring multiple surgeries each time adjustments are needed to the rods. Less surgeries improve patient safety and overall patient satisfaction.

ExcelsiusGPS Surgery

The ExcelsiusGPS® system creates a surgical plan based on a child’s unique anatomy, guiding the robotic arm to a specific region of the spine, similar to a planned pathway on GPS. The pediatric spine surgeon uses this pathway to accurately conduct spine surgery with the utmost precision.