Patient Cases: Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

This 13-year-old girl had been diagnosed with scoliosis as a 12-year-old. She had been referred to Dr. Vitale’s clinic by her primary care physician. She had a major curve of 40 degrees. There was no family or past medical history, and she was a competitive diver. Upon physical exam: fluid, symmetric, age-appropriate gait. Hips heights were equal. Left shoulder was higher ... MORE >

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, Posterior Spinal Fusion and Instrumentation. This is an 18 year old whose curve progressed after skeletal maturity. It went from 28 to 38 and then 45 degrees. They decided to proceed forward with surgery. Her curves prior to surgery were 33, 45 and 18. She had a fusion from T3-L3. She participates in crew and is back to ... MORE >

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, Selective Thoracic Posterior Spinal Fusion and Instrumentation. This is a 12 year old with Idiopathic Scoliosis. She did Schroth and Rigo Cheneau bracing that she wore about 8 hours a day. Her curve continued to progress into a surgical range. She had no complaints of pain. Preoperatively, she had a main right thoracic curve of 62 degrees with ... MORE >

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, Posterior Spinal Fusion and Instrumentation. This is a 12 year old with Idiopathic Scoliosis that was recently diagnosed. She had no complaints of pain. Preoperatively, she had a main right thoracic curve of 64 degrees with an upper thoracic curve of 28 degrees and a lumbar curve of 56 degrees. She had a kyphosis of 47 degrees. She ... MORE >

Andrew was 13 when he first presented to our office. He has a positive family history of scoliosis with his older brother having a spinal fusion. I had a discussion with Andrew and his parents about non operative treatment of scoliosis.  I recommended both bracing and Schroth physical therapy.  He started this right away.  We discussed various brace options and ... MORE >

Kate was a 13 year old when she presented to our office.  She had a 48 degree main thoracic curve.  We spoke about the fact that she had lots of growth left and her curve was in a surgical range.  We did spend some time talking about some other options including bracing, Schroth physical therapy, and observation.  They went to ... MORE >

Emma is a 13 year old competitive dancer; performing jazz, tap, lyrical, ballet, and modern dance! She came to see Dr. Vitale when she was first diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis at age 12. At that time her main curve was already 53 degrees. A curve of this size in a growing child has an extremely high likelihood of progressing. ... MORE >