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Scoliosis

Introduction

Scoliosis in Children Through Adults

Scoliosis in children illustrationThe Division of Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery at the Children’s Hospital of New York Presbyterian offers care for infants, children, adolescents and adults with scoliosis and spinal deformities. Michael G. Vitale MD MPH treats scoliosis in children with a variety of techniques, both conservative and surgical.

The Center provides the most advanced care for scoliosis. We provide a whole spectrum of treatments.  This includes treatment through our Conservative Care of Spine and Scoliosis with Schroth therapy, bracing, and scoliosis casting.  Our bracing program is integrated into the offices with the orthotist available for immediate consultation with the physician at every visit.

When surgery is indicated the surgical treatment performed include traditional spinal fusions as well as innovative techniques such as vertebral stapling and growing rod procedures (MAGEC, VEPTR, and growing rods).  Our center is performing expansion thoracoplasty in infants and children with thoracic insufficiency syndrome. These children have early onset spine and chest wall deformity that threatens lung growth. We perform thoracoscopic surgery in indicated cases thus avoiding long incisions in the chest wall. Our faculty members belong to the professional organizations and the national collaborative groups that monitor the outcomes of surgery. The physicians of the Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Scoliosis and Spine Deformity are leading the field in the application and evaluation of new techniques.

What is it?

Scoliosis is a condition that mostly affects adolescents, in which there is an abnormal curvature of the spine to the right or left. Whereas most people’s spines have the appearance of a straight line, when viewed from directly behind the person, the spine of someone with scoliosis more closely resembles the letter S or C, because of the abnormal curvature.  Scoliosis affects about 3% of the population.

Types of Scoliosis in Children

Scoliosis in children can occur in a wide range of ages and from different causes. Therefore, scoliosis has been divided into a number of different types. Each type of scoliosis is treated slightly differently than the others so it is important to understand which type of scoliosis you have.  Please follow the links below to find out more information about each type.

Additional Information

Resources

See Full List of Conditions Treated