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December 7, 2024
Scoliosis is a medical condition characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine where instead of a straight alignment, the spine may curve sideways, forming an “S” or “C” shape. This condition can affect people of any age, but it often becomes noticeable during adolescence when the spine is growing rapidly.
The severity of scoliosis varies, and it can cause a range of symptoms, including uneven shoulders or hips, back pain, and in more severe cases, difficulty breathing if the curvature affects the chest cavity. Early detection and intervention are crucial for managing scoliosis effectively. Treatment options depend on factors such as the degree of curvature, the cause of scoliosis, and the age of the individual.
LuskinOIC is home to some of the world’s leading experts in the field of scoliosis, pediatric orthopedics, and spinal deformity surgery. Our team, led by President and CEO of LuskinOIC, Dr. Anthony Scaduto, is renowned for leading-edge research and pioneering innovative techniques that are redefining what is possible in pediatric spinal care.
Children with scoliosis don’t always display the same symptoms. Here are a few common symptoms you can look for at home:
Scoliosis appears in thousands of children and is determined by your child’s genetic makeup. External factors such as injury, heavy backpacks or bad posture do not cause scoliosis.
The most common type of scoliosis is known as idiopathic, which means there is no definite cause of the condition. Idiopathic scoliosis typically runs in families, affects girls eight times more often than boys, and is often detected just before or during a child’s adolescence.
A child may be born with scoliosis—called congenital or infantile scoliosis—and can change as a child grows. For some kids, the curve becomes straighter on its own. For others, the curve becomes more pronounced, and treatment is needed.
Some children develop scoliosis later in life due to another health condition—such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy. This is called neuromuscular scoliosis. Sometimes neurological or muscular diseases can cause weakness or imbalance in the spinal muscles, which raises the risk of developing a curved spine.
Although the exact cause is usually unknown, scoliosis can run in families. So, if one of your children has scoliosis, it’s a good idea to have their siblings screened for it.
LuskinOIC’s Scoliosis Center has the expertise and leading-edge technology to diagnose, manage and treat your child’s scoliosis—whether the curve is mild and just needs monitoring, or severe enough that surgery is the best option.
Our dedicated team at LuskinOIC Scoliosis Center is ready to provide:
Dr. Scaduto and the experts at LuskinOIC create a treatment plan that’s tailored to your child’s unique needs. In milder cases, we may simply monitor the spine to make sure the curve doesn’t worsen. More severe cases may require treatment to prevent your child from developing issues with breathing or heart function. This could include bracing or surgery.
As children grow, the severity of their scoliosis can change. If the curve increases, treatment may become necessary. That’s why it’s important to have a physician regularly check your child’s spine.
Surgeons at LuskinOIC will realign the curve, then fuse the section of straightened vertebrae. Once fused, that part of the spine will no longer grow. The fused vertebrae will heal together as if they are 1 bone.
Our surgeons are highly skilled in complex procedures, including:
Every child’s recovery is unique, but generally they will return to all normal activities—including contact sports—in 6 to 12 months.
Children under the age of 3 may undergo serial casting to correct scoliosis. A special traction table is used when applying a cast. Casts are changed every 3-4 months
Young patients with large or progressive curves may require an implant that controls the curve, while still allowing the spine to grow. We use magnetically-controlled growing rods (MAGEC rods) to lengthen the spine without general anesthesia.
LuskinOIC is here to help with every step of your child’s scoliosis.
Request an appointment today to see one of our experts.
Learn more at our Scoliosis Center.
Knowing When to Seek Care for Your Child: A Guide from LuskinOIC
As a parent, your top priority is keeping your child safe and healthy. But when your child is sick or injured, it can be hard to know what level of care they need. Should you call your pediatrician, visit urgent care, or head straight to the emergency department?
For non-emergencies, your child’s pediatrician or a pediatric urgent care center is often the best place to start. If your child’s doctor isn’t available—such as during evenings or weekends—urgent care can provide fast, effective treatment. Contact your pediatrician or visit urgent care if your child has:
You may also have access to virtual urgent care for non-emergency issues, allowing your child to be seen by a provider from home. Check if pediatric virtual urgent care services are available in your area.
If your child is seriously injured or ill—especially if the condition may be life-threatening or needs immediate attention—take them to the emergency department (ED). Seek emergency care if your child:
Your child’s health matters. When in doubt, trust your instincts—and don’t hesitate to seek care. LuskinOIC is here to support your family with trusted pediatric expertise every step of the way.