SCOLIOSIS
The surgeons and medical staff at Medical City Children’s Orthopedics & Spine Specialists are on the leading edge, offering the most advanced treatment options available for children with scoliosis. To date, we have successfully performed more than 5,900 spine surgeries.
We specialize in treating scoliosis from children all the way to adults.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a muscular disorder in which the spine curves to the left or right when viewed from the back — creating an S or C shaped curve. At our practice, our physicians diagnose and treat all types of scoliosis for children, from mild to severe, and offer the most advanced treatment options. Most children with scoliosis may not need complex treatments, but they do need to be evaluated.
In most cases, we can assure parents that we either need to see their child in four to six months more or that their child’s risk is so low that they really don’t need to come back. In the event the child does need treatment, we will discuss options with honesty and compassion.
To begin with, our treatment starts with the diagnosis of a child, and we follow and monitor the child’s progress into adulthood when the disease could become more severe.
The Main Types of Scoliosis are:
- Idiopathic scoliosis. 80 percent of these cases are idiopathic, making it the most common type. Idiopathic means that doctors can’t pinpoint the cause of the spinal curvature. It is further classified by the age of the patient.
- Infantile scoliosis, also known as early-onset, develops in children, mostly boys, under age 3.
- Juvenile scoliosis, more common in girls, occurs between the ages of 3 and 10.
- Adolescent scoliosis makes up the majority of idiopathic cases. It’s most common in girls between the ages of 11 and 17.
- Congenital scoliosis is present at birth and happens when the vertebrae fail to develop properly in utero. This type of scoliosis is rare and is often seen with other health issues related to the heart, kidney, or bladder.
- In neuromuscular-related scoliosis, the curve in the spine is caused by a neuromuscular condition such as spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, or cerebral palsy.
Symptoms of Scoliosis
For children with scoliosis, they may experience lower back pain or discomfort but most commonly, the symptoms are seen in their physical appearance. They include:
- Shoulders appear uneven
- One hip is higher than the other
- Waist looks uneven
- The rib cage is more prominent on one side
- Pelvis is tilted
Diagnosis
At Medical City Children’s Orthopedics & Spine Specialists, our board-certified pediatric orthopedic physicians perform a comprehensive evaluation to diagnose your child’s condition and create a personalized treatment plan. As an example, our evaluation may include:
- A medical history
- A physical exam
- An X-ray or CT scan
While growing up, Joy suffered from severe scoliosis which hindered her from joining in on the activities she loved. Because of her scoliosis, Joy’s mother brought her to be diagnosed by Dr. Shyam Kishan. By collaborating with Joy and her family, Dr. Kishan created a treatment plan and explained everything every step of the way. After her successful surgery, Joy is so happy and has resumed all the activities she loves, like archery, equestrian riding, and biking to name a few.
Treatment for Scoliosis
After we complete a thorough evaluation, our team will develop a treatment plan tailored to your child’s specific condition. Treatment options depend on the age of the patient, the location of the curve, and the curve itself. If there are morel health issues or concerns we will discuss those, but we consider surgery only when needed.
Meanwhile, our surgeons use advanced treatments to ensure our patients return to playing sports, and other activities, as soon as possible. In recent years, the medical profession has made great advances in the diagnosis and treatment of scoliosis. Due to enhanced recovery techniques after spine, pelvic and hip procedures, our hospital stays for spine fusions are shorter than most.
Observation
In addition, many individuals do not require surgery to correct their condition. Also, children often need to be observed closely before and during their adolescent growth spurts to identify curves that are progressing rapidly and those that remain stable over time.
Bracing
For curves in children or for curves that have grown, we commonly recommend bracing. In many cases, a brace can reduce the chance of a childhood curvature progressing to the point of requiring surgery.
Spinal Rehabilitation
Surgical options
More often than not, scoliosis can be addressed with a brace, but in cases where scoliosis patients experience an increase in curvature and are in pain, surgery may be needed. Scoliosis surgeries are complex with multi-step procedures.
Finally, should your child need surgery to correct their scoliosis, we have the expertise and have successfully performed more than 5,900 spine surgeries. With our expert doctors and caregivers, we will provide you with the care and attention your child deserves.
Spine surgery can improve congenital scoliosis, but it can be a stressful experience for the child and their family. Upon contacting us, we will offer a wealth of resources about how to prepare your child for surgery, what to expect during surgery, and specific ways we make safety a top priority.
Call 214-556-0590 to make an appointment.
Expert health care for children from birth through adolescence at four
convenient locations: Arlington, Dallas, Frisco, and McKinney.