Scoliosis treatment
Spinal curvature disorders in children and teens
Call for an appointmentDuke's pediatric scoliosis and neurosurgery specialists treat spinal curvature disorders in children and teens including scoliosis, kyphosis, spondylolysis, and spondylolisthesis. We offer advanced non surgical options such as bracing, as well as growth friendly spinal surgery. We tailor our treatment recommendations to your child's unique anatomy and health needs.
Scoliosis and spinal curvature disorders
Many young people live with scoliosis and don't require aggressive treatment because their spine curvature is mild or does not cause serious back pain. However, an evaluation and treatment become necessary when postural abnormalities and breathing problems develop. Our team of pediatric spine surgeons is among the most experienced in North Carolina. We regularly perform complex reconstruction surgeries using the latest technology in intraoperative imaging, which allows us to operate with precision. We also manage spina bifida in infants, often with immediate surgery.
Choose Duke for your child's scoliosis treatment because we offer:
- Experts in all types of scoliosis. We have advanced training and expertise in a spinal deformity associated with cerebral palsy called neuromuscular scoliosis, congenital scoliosis, which is a defect present at birth, and early onset scoliosis, which refers to a side to side curve diagnosed before age 10.
- Growth-friendly surgical options. We are among the few scoliosis specialists in the region using the latest surgical approaches to correct spinal deformities. These include expandable spinal implants, which allow the spine to grow with the child, curved metal rods ( VEPTR) that help children with severe deformities to breathe better, and wires that guide spinal growth in the correct direction (Shilla technique).
- Extensive surgical experience. We are the most experienced reconstructive surgery team in North Carolina, and perform more complex surgeries than any other hospital or spine center in North Carolina. There are several ways to approach corrective neurosurgery: anteriorly (from the front), posteriorly (from the back) or laterally (from the side). Your child receives safe, effective results tailored to their unique needs.
- Comprehensive support for young people. In addition to pediatric spine surgeons, your child's surgical team includes pediatric anesthesiologists, specialists in neurology and pulmonology and many others. We have a dedicated pediatric intensive care unit that caters exclusively to children, and a support staff to help them recover and rehabilitate quickly and safely.
- Latest research. As the region's only members of the Scoliosis Research Society, our pediatric spine surgeons are up to date on the latest information available.
- Opportunities to participate in research. Your child may be eligible to participate in our research studies, which are currently exploring ways to improve mobility and recover faster following surgery.
- Intraoperative imaging technology. We offer advanced, intraoperative capabilities with CT and MRI. That means our surgeons work with detailed, real-time 3-D pictures of your spine that guide them as they operate.
- PATIENT STORY
Scoliosis X-rays are safer with lower-radiation technology“The X-rays are really important for us to know what’s happening with Ellie’s back, but we wanted to try to do it as safely as possible,” said Ellie’s... - PATIENT STORY
Spinal implant improves quality of life for little girl with early onset scoliosis“This procedure has been life changing for Aubrey,” said Laura Parks, about her daughter's scoliosis surgery.
SCOLIOSIS AND OTHER SPINAL ABNORMALITIES
Treatments
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Can be very effective for treating scoliosis in young children and teens.
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Treat inflammation and pain right at the source, and may be used to manage lower back or leg pain caused by scoliosis. We inject these treatments in a special suite. You may see your doctor and receive your treatment on the same day.
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Exercises can be an effective non-surgical option if your scoliosis has not caused severe curving of your spine. Physical therapy can strengthen your spine, improve balance and flexibility, which help minimize pain and avoid injury. Your spine doctor may direct your physical therapy program by recommending the best exercises for you, or we can refer you to a physical therapist.
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Our advanced surgical treatments are safe and effective. We make spinal fusion surgery as quick and painless as possible by using minimally invasive techniques. We operate through several tiny incisions so you recover faster and experience less pain and fewer complications. Surgeries include:
- Growth-friendly surgical options. Procedures may involve the placement of expandable spinal implants that allow the spine to grow, curved metal rods (VEPTR) to help children with severe deformities to breathe better, and wires that guide spinal growth in the correct direction (Shilla technique).
- Spinal fusion. Corrects minor deformities by fusing together the vertebrae in your back so they cannot move.
- Complex spinal reconstruction. This advanced procedure corrects abnormal spine curvatures by stabilizing your spine with rods and pins and fusing together the vertebra.
SCOLIOSIS AND OTHER SPINAL ABNORMALITIES
Tests
Your doctor may order one or more of the following imaging tests to diagnose scoliosis or track its progression over time:
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Takes pictures of bones inside your body. X-ray pictures will show any areas of instability in your spine.
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Magnets and radio waves are used to take detailed pictures of your spinal disc and the nerve roots of your spinal cord.
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A series of cross-sectional pictures produce detailed, 3-D images of your spine and spinal cord.
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Injects a dye into the sac around the nerve roots in your spinal cord to help them show up better on a CT scan.