Patient Stories

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 >

At 14, Mia enjoyed playing sports and hanging out with her friends, she had known about her scoliosis for years and had some occasional back pain but nothing that would hold her back from doing the things she loved. Doctors monitored Mia’s scoliosis over the years without issue, but during a normal checkup in the summer of 2020 it became ... MORE >

The curve in Zara’s spine had been monitored over the years by her pediatrician but was never a cause for serious concern. However, by the time she was 13, the curvature was progressing rapidly enough that her doctor said she would need to wear a brace. Zara’s mother, Sabrina, was hopeful that a second opinion might provide them with alternatives ... MORE >

Angela was diagnosed with Infantile Idiopathic Scoliosis when she was only seven months old. At that young of an age, there are very few treatment methods available. At the time Dr. Michael Vitale was of the only doctors who specialized in this type of scoliosis and casting young children. "From the moment I got the news that my baby had an issue with her spine I ... MORE >

When I was 12, I was diagnosed with scoliosis. I had two curves one about 39 degrees and the other around 56 degrees. My back was constantly in pain and I was always so uncomfortable no matter what way I sat, stood, or layed down. I started going to a chiropractor in the summer of 2019, and I tried that ... MORE >

Zoe, a junior in high school has familial dysautonomia, which is a genetic disorder that affects the nervous system and tends to cause scoliosis. As Zoe’s spine started to curve more, her family came to a point where intervention needed to be done. “ The current orthopedist we were seeing kept pushing for surgery and wouldn’t back down, so we needed to get a second opinion ... MORE >

"As you can see, this is an amazing kid—advocating for other children with disabilities, excelling in school and socially, and really standing as a testament to what modern medicine can do." —Michael Vitale, MD "I just want to thank Dr. Vitale for all of his amazing work that he has done to help me live this life that I do and ... MORE >

In 2015, when I was 9 years old, I was diagnosed with scoliosis. I was asked to touch my toes by my doctor and she saw a hump on my back and then sent me to an Orthopedic Doctor. When I saw that first doctor she told me my upper thoracic curve was 45 degrees and I needed surgery right ... MORE >

Dr. Vitale is not only an amazing doctor, but you never feel rushed anytime you are with him... There are not enough thank you's to express our gratitude to Dr. Vitale and his entire team for all they have done for Rachel and our family.  MORE >

Since the spinal fusion Phil has no pain in his hips or back and his breathing is stabilized. Phil continues to have check-ups with Dr. Vitale. Our family is confident that the team at Columbia is there when we need them. Phil is eighteen now, looking forward to his freshman year, as a resident student, at SUNY Stony Brook. He ... MORE >