Patient Stories old

When I was diagnosed with scoliosis during my annual doctor's trip, I honestly didn't think it was a big deal. I pictured the S shaped curve in my back as a setback so minor, not even worthy of my 12-year-old brain to worry about. In fact, after a year of wearing my Boston brace for 22 hours a day, I ... MORE >

My journey with scoliosis started in the summer of 2018 when I was 9 years old. I went to my yearly physical and the doctor asked me to “Bend down and touch your toes.” He realized that my right shoulder blade was distended and hips weren’t in alignment. My first visit with Dr. Vitale and his team was in September of ... MORE >

Since my diagnosis of idiopathic scoliosis in fifth grade, my parents and I tried every conservative treatment we know: German Schroth therapy, bracing, chiropractic, physical therapy, CLEAR Scoliosis Treatment, and postural training. Despite our efforts, my curves progressed from a thoracic curve with a Cobb angle of 19 degrees and a lumbar curve of 20 degrees to approximately 60 degrees ... MORE >

I found out that I had scoliosis the summer before my freshman year of high school, the day I came back from sleep away camp (I was away for 7 weeks). I had to wear a tighter dress for a sweet sixteen that day. I came downstairs in the dress and my mother could see the visible curve in my ... MORE >

Gabriella’s family faced a daunting prospect after their first visit with orthopedic surgeon Michael G. Vitale, MD. A thirteen-year-old with multiple conditions related to her cerebral palsy, Gabriella was diagnosed with neuromuscular scoliosis with a 62-degree lumbar curve. Dr. Vitale recommended a posterior spinal fusion and instrumentation from the base of the neck to the pelvis. “Thinking of spinal surgery scared ... MORE >

Good Afternoon, Dr. Vitale and Amber, Today I took the biggest step in my life, which was me graduating Queens College and getting my bachelor degree in psychology. In one year, September, 2025, I will be continuing my education and getting my master degree in psychology to become a guidance counselor. I wanted to thank you for everything you guys have done ... MORE >

This is Michael wearing his scoliosis warrior shirt with his brace. We met him at 8 months of age with a 29-degree major curve with an RVAD of approximately 25 degrees. He then came back 4 months later and had a standing xray that showed a 40 degree curve with an RVAD of 53. Read Michael's Case Study > MORE >

Marielle is a girl who first came to Dr. Vitale at 10 months of age for a second opinion of her Idiopathic Infantile Scoliosis. She initially presented with a major curve of 30 degrees and a minor curve of 12 degrees, and Dr. Vitale recommended observation. Dr. Vitale saw her again when she was 18 months old and her major ... MORE >

An Update from Margaret: After 10 years of brace-wearing, my curve had progressed past the point of stability and threatened to inhibit the physical aspects and activities I enjoy so much in life. On August 3rd of 2022, I received a corrective spinal fusion that shifted my life forever. After just six weeks of recovery, I was back on my ... MORE >

For Eliya's parents, finding out their 11-year-old daughter had spondylolisthesis came with a mix of fears and emotions they hadn’t anticipated. Her mother, Mairev, says, “Eliya just woke up one morning in excruciating pain.” After taking her to a doctor in Israel, where they live, and learning about Eliya’s diagnosis, her mother immediately began researching treatments and specialists who could help ... MORE >