Pediatric Scoliosis

Scoliosis is an unnatural curvature of the spine. The spine looks more like an "S" or a "C" rather than a straight vertical line. Scoliosis can happen at any age, but is most common in adolescents' growth spurt just before puberty.

Pediatric Scoliosis: What You Need to Know

Technology

One of the most challenging aspects of treating scoliosis is predicting which patients will progress to a severe spinal curve and require treatment. The ability to predict scoliosis progression early and accurately improves treatment so that it is safer, more effective and more patient-friendly. Our team of orthopedic specialists offers the latest scoliosis therapies and treatments for children and adults, including the option of a minimally invasive scoliosis surgery.

Personalized Care

Our goal is to provide personalized, professional scoliosis care to help keep you and your family active and healthy. As a center of learning, we place a strong emphasis on patient education. We are willing to answer any questions you have, at any point during care. We encourage you to learn as much as possible about your or your child's condition.

Experienced, Trusted Expertise

The University of Vermont Medical Center's Spine program provides comprehensive services for spinal disorders. As a university hospital, our expertise comes from years of experience and a deep grounding in scientific knowledge. We bring research-based care to every patient we see.

When managing your child's healthcare, we know you need to make the most informed decision possible. We see our role as teachers: we give our parents and families all the information they need to know about scoliosis so they feel empowered to make the best decisions possible.

What is Pediatric Scoliosis?

The most common form of scoliosis is adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, which affects 13 to 26 million adolescents worldwide. Scoliosis does not usually cause pain. Some cases do not progress and periodic checkups may be all that is needed.

The exact cause of scoliosis is unknown, but several factors can increase the risk of developing it, including:

• Age - Scoliosis can happen at any age, but usually happens between the ages of 9 and 15 years.
• Gender - Mild scoliosis happens to both males and females at about the same rate, but it is about five times more common for females to have a worsening curve that requires treatment.
• Genetics - Scoliosis tends to run in families and is therefore likely genetic.

Scoliosis Diagnosis and Treatment

Statistics show that one in ten adolescents diagnosed with mild scoliosis will progress to a moderate curve that requires a scoliosis brace. One in ten patients who need a scoliosis brace will progress further to a severe curve that requires scoliosis surgery.

The UVM Medical Center's physicians use advanced technology to treat scoliosis on a regular basis. Our knowledgeable surgeons are highly trained in performing scoliosis surgery.

For more information call 802-847-2663 or:

• To schedule an appointment, please call 802-847-6000.
• For questions and other inquiries, please call The UVM Medical Center Orthopedics at 802-847-2663.