Patient Cases: Pediatric Scoliosis

Starla first came to our office at the age of 5 as a second opinion for Early Onset Scoliosis. Starla’s aunt first noted asymmetries. Upon X-Ray, Starla had severe thoracic and lumbar curves of 55 and 47 degrees.  With severe curves, we discussed bracing, casting, and surgical interventions.  Her parents wanted to postpone surgery as long as possible, as a ... MORE >

Finlay was 13 years old when he first came to our office by recommendation of his pediatrician. Finlay’s scoliosis presents in the setting of Down’s Syndrome and renal disease. Finlay’s curves measured 37, 53, and 55 degrees. We discussed the risks and benefits of surgery at length with Finlay and his family. To ensure safety during surgical planning, we worked ... 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 >

Njood was an 11 year old international patient who presented to us with a large curve of 100 degrees of thoracic scoliosis and 100 degrees of kyphosis.  Her MRI showed changes to the spinal cord and she was developing progressive weakness to her lower extremities.  Her pulmonary status was also declining.  They came to our hospital for help with this ... 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 >

Fatoumata was 8 years old when she first presented to our office. At that time, she had a 15 degree thoracic curve and a 15 degree lumbar curve. Her curve progressed to almost 30 degrees so she started bracing with a traditional TLSO brace. Despite attempts at non operative treatment, her curve continued to progress to above 50 degrees by ... MORE >

Meghan is a healthy young girl who was diagnosed with Early Onset Scoliosis when she was 6 years old. Meghan came to see Dr. Vitale soon after she was diagnosed. At that visit her main thoracic curve measured 61 degrees. Since Meghan was presenting with a large curve and she had lots of growth remaining, Dr. Vitale recommended using MAGEC ... MORE >

Natalie was first diagnosed with scoliosis when she was 3 years old. Initially, her curve was small and was treated conservatively. However, when she went for her regular visit at age 7 her curve had suddenly jumped from 27 degrees to 63 degrees and she was referred to Dr. Vitale for further management.... MORE >

Ismaeel is a 6-year-old boy who has been seeing Dr. Vitale since he was 5 months old for several orthopedic concerns. He and his 10-year-old brother Yaseen were born with a rare disorder that causes multiple skeletal abnormalities such as short stature, bowed legs, and scoliosis. Over the years, beginning when Ismaeel was 2 years old, Dr. Vitale performed several surgeries ... MORE >

Samantha was a 15 year old that presented to Dr. Vitale with a large scoliosis. She had been diagnosed at age 11 and was also having back pain. She had tried bracing and therapy prior to seeing Dr. Vitale. The curve was beginning to impact her quality of life so they sought Dr. Vitale out for another opinion. They proceeded forward ... MORE >