Pediatric Scoliosis and Spine Disorders

Comprehensive, Specialized Care for Pediatric Scoliosis and Curvature of the Spine

At Loyola Medicine, we offer expert, compassionate care for pediatric scoliosis and spine disorders, providing families with state-of-the-art treatment options.

Pediatric scoliosis (childhood curvature of the spine) can range from mild to severe and may progress as a child grows. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for preventing complications and ensuring proper spinal alignment.

Why choose Loyola for Pediatric Scoliosis Care?

• Expert team – Our fellowship-trained pediatric orthopaedic and spine surgeons collaborate to deliver the best possible care.
• Comprehensive approach – From therapy to bracing to surgery, we offer a full spectrum of treatment options tailored to each child.
• State-of-the-art facilities – Loyola is a full-service pediatric hospital with pediatric anesthesia, pediatric ICU, therapists, and child life specialists to support recovery.
• Convenience & accessibility – Families benefit from high-level specialty care without traveling to downtown Chicago.

Meet our Pediatric Scoliosis Specialists

Our dedicated team of specialists work together to create a personalized treatment plan that prioritizes your child’s health, comfort, and long-term well-being.

What is Pediatric Scoliosis?

When a child has scoliosis, their spine develops an abnormal curve, forming a C or S shape. One of the most noticeable signs of scoliosis is uneven shoulder or hip height, which often becomes apparent during the adolescent growth spurt. Our skilled orthopedic specialists can determine the most appropriate treatment options for your child.

For mild cases of scoliosis, treatment may not be necessary beyond routine monitoring to track the spine’s development and ensure the curvature does not worsen as your child grows.

If the condition is more severe, our pediatric spine team will collaborate with you and your child to create a personalized treatment plan that aligns with their healthcare needs and goals.

Causes and Risk Factors for Pediatric Scoliosis

Scoliosis can be idiopathic (unknown cause), congenital (present at birth), or neuromuscular (linked to conditions like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy). Risk factors include:

• Family history of scoliosis
• Rapid growth during puberty
• Underlying neuromuscular conditions

What are the Symptoms of Pediatric Scoliosis?

Signs of scoliosis can vary but often include:

• Uneven shoulders or hips
• Visible curvature of the spine
• One shoulder blade appearing more prominent
• Leaning to one side
• Back pain or discomfort in some cases

How is Pediatric Scoliosis Diagnosed?

Diagnosing pediatric scoliosis involves a comprehensive evaluation by our specialists, who use advanced imaging technology and clinical assessments to determine the severity and progression of spinal curvature. Early detection is key to ensuring timely intervention and the best possible outcome for your child.

Our diagnostic approach includes:

• Physical Examinations – During an initial assessment, our specialists will check for signs of scoliosis, such as uneven shoulders, an asymmetrical waist, or differences in hip height. They may ask your child to perform a forward bend test, which helps reveal spinal curvature. These evaluations can also help identify other undetected conditions that may be contributing to your child’s posture or back pain.
• X-rays – If scoliosis is suspected, X-rays are taken to provide a detailed view of the spine’s alignment and measure the degree of curvature. This is a crucial step in determining the severity of the condition and whether treatment is necessary.
• MRI or CT Scans – In more complex cases, or if additional spinal abnormalities are suspected, an MRI or CT scan may be recommended. These imaging techniques offer a more detailed look at the spine and surrounding structures, helping to identify any underlying conditions that may be contributing to the curvature.

By utilizing these advanced diagnostic tools, our pediatric spine team can create a tailored treatment plan that best supports your child's health and development.

Pediatric Scoliosis Treatment Options

Treatment is determined by maturity level and magnitude of deformity. A mild curve (10-20 degrees) may be treated with observation or therapy. A moderate curve (20-40 degrees) is often treated with bracing. A severe curve (50+ degrees) is sometimes treated with surgery.

Therapy

Physical therapy can improve posture, strengthen muscles, and enhance spinal stability.

Bracing

For moderate scoliosis, a brace may help prevent curve progression. We partner with Comprehensive Prosthetics and Orthotics, which offers on-site group evaluations with our physicians.

Surgery

For severe scoliosis, surgery may be needed. The goals of surgery are to prevent progression, restore balance and alignment, preserve motion, and do so safely.

Our team uses leading-edge technology to increase safety and support early mobility, including 3D spinal navigation, intra-operative neuromonitoring, and patient-specific/custom implants.

We follow rapid recovery protocols – from pre-op through surgery and the brief hospital stay – using a multi-modal approach that focuses on comfort and early mobility. Our pediatric scoliosis care pathway was developed in collaboration with pediatric anesthesiologists, pediatric ICU teams, pharmacists, and therapists.