TREATING SCOLIOSIS
At CTPO, we specialize in diagnosing and treating scoliosis, utilizing the latest techniques and technology to achieve the best possible outcome for your child.
Our team of highly trained and experienced pediatric orthopedic specialists will work closely with you and your child to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses their unique needs and goals. Every child is different so we take an individualized approach to each scoliosis treatment plan.
Our practice offers a full range of treatment options for scoliosis, including non-surgical and surgical approaches. Non-surgical treatments may include observation, bracing and physical therapy. We also offer the latest surgical techniques, including minimally invasive surgery, spinal robot, and spinal fusion.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CHILD HAS SCOLIOSIS
WHAT IS SCOLIOSIS?
Scoliosis is a common spine condition that causes a curvature of the spine, most often in a side-to-side “S” shape. There may also be rotational elements to this curvature as well. The degree of curvature will be monitored by our surgeons, who monitor for changes as the patient grows taller and older. If the curve becomes too large, bracing or surgery may be indicated.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF SCOLIOSIS?
A scoliotic curve can have elements that move front to back and also rotate, creating a 3 dimensional problem. There are 3 main types of scoliosis: congenital, neuromuscular, and idiopathic. Congenital scoliosis occurs due to an embryological malformation of one or more vertebrae. Neuromuscular scoliosis occurs due to other conditionals like cerebral palsy or spina bifida. Lastly, idiopathic scoliosis is a condition without known cause – it is a diagnosis of exclusion.
WE TREAT ALL DIFFERENT KINDS OF SCOLIOSIS INCLUDING
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Early-onset scoliosis
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Juvenile scoliosis
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Congenital scoliosis
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Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
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Neuromuscular scoliosis
say hello to our
Pediatric Scoliosis Specialists
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF SCOLIOSIS IN A CHILD?
The signs of scoliosis include asymmetries of the shoulders, back, ribs, or hips. For example, the child may have one shoulder or one hip that sits higher than the other or one shoulder blade may stick out more than the other.
WHAT AGE DO YOU NOTICE SCOLIOSIS?
Your child’s pediatrician will continually examine your child for any signs of asymmetry, starting from birth, especially if there are congenital or neuromuscular diagnoses present. The most common age to check is during grade school, when rapid growth begins to occur, and throughout adolescence. The most common age to diagnose scoliosis is between 10-15 years of age.
HOW DO YOU CHECK FOR SCOLIOSIS?
The most classic test for scoliosis is the Adam’s Forward Bend test, where a provider examines a child’s spine while they bend forward. On the clinical side, x-ray, MRI, and CT are all imaging tools that doctors can employ to further evaluate the bones and soft tissues that are involved in the scoliotic curve.
HOW COMMON IS SCOLIOSIS?
Scoliosis occurs in 2-3% of the population, affecting 6-9 million people in the United States. Idiopathic scoliosis comprises more than 80% of the diagnoses. Scoliosis occurs equally in both boys and girls. However, girls have a much greater chance of having their curve progress to a stage requiring treatment.
HOW IS SCOLIOSIS TREATED?
Not all scoliotic curves require treatment. Some mild curves can be be monitored to ensure that they do not progress to a significant level over time. If a curve does require treatment, a brace can be worn by the patient to help slow or prevent the progression. This brace is typically worn for 16-23 hours per day. Lastly, surgical intervention may be necessary for severe spinal curvatures.
PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR SCOLIOSIS
Our physical therapy interventions are targeted to help our patients feel better, move better and reduce pain. This type of therapy is not intended to change the actual curvature of the spine. CTPO also offers The Schroth Method which may help to slow or stop the progression of a curve under very specific circumstances.
MEET EMILY
Emily is a dancer that suffered from scoliosis. With the help of Dr. Brian Kaufman, she was able to get back to doing what she loves.
WE'RE HERE FOR YOU
At CTPO we understand that a diagnosis of scoliosis, the required hours of brace wear time and scoliosis-specific exercises can feel overwhelming at first. We are here to educate you and ease your concerns along the way with the goal of preventing surgery.
Our scoliosis patients like to say they are bent, not broken, and we here at CTPO have your back!
Questions? Give us a calI at (512) 478-8116.