Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
The most common form of scoliosis in teenagers. “Idiopathic” means that there is no single known cause.
Understanding scoliosis
Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine that can affect children, teenagers, and adults. While some curves are mild and simply need to be monitored, others may progress over time and lead to problems with posture, balance, pain, or daily activities.
At University Spine Center, we evaluate each patient's spinal alignment, symptoms, age, activity level, and overall health to develop an individualized treatment plan.
Types of scoliosis and spinal deformity
Scoliosis can develop for different reasons and at different stages of life. The location and shape of the curve can also vary. Scoliosis may primarily involve the thoracic spine, lumbar spine, or both regions.
Early-onset scoliosis
Scoliosis that develops in younger children, before age 10.
Congenital scoliosis
Caused by differences in the way one or more vertebrae formed before birth.
Neuromuscular scoliosis
Associated with conditions that affect the nerves or muscles responsible for supporting the spine.
Syndromic scoliosis
Scoliosis associated with certain genetic or connective-tissue conditions.
Adult scoliosis
May represent a curve that began earlier in life and progressed over time or may develop as the spine changes with age.
Kyphoscoliosis and combined deformities
Some patients have scoliosis together with an abnormal forward curvature or other changes in spinal alignment. Understanding the entire three-dimensional alignment of the spine is important when developing a treatment plan.
Pediatric and adolescent scoliosis
Scoliosis in children and teenagers can vary significantly depending on a child’s age, how much growth remains, the size and location of the curve, and whether the curve is continuing to progress.
The most common type is adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, which develops during the years of rapid growth. Younger children may develop early-onset, congenital, neuromuscular, or syndromic forms of scoliosis.
How is pediatric scoliosis evaluated?
Evaluation typically includes a physical examination and standing X-rays that allow the physician to measure the curve and assess overall spinal balance. The child’s remaining growth is also important because curves may change as the spine continues to develop.
In some patients, additional imaging such as an MRI or CT scan may be recommended to better understand the spine or investigate an underlying condition.
Treatment for pediatric scoliosis
Not every child with scoliosis needs surgery. Treatment depends on the type of scoliosis, curve size, rate of progression, symptoms, and remaining growth.
Observation
For smaller or stable curves.
Physical therapy
Scoliosis-specific exercises when appropriate.
Bracing
For growing children with certain progressive curves.
Surgical correction
For larger or progressive curves when appropriate.
The goal is to control progression while allowing children to remain as active and healthy as possible.
When is scoliosis surgery considered?
Surgery may be discussed when a curve becomes large, continues to progress despite treatment, is expected to continue worsening, or causes significant problems with spinal balance or function.
The decision is individualized. A surgeon considers the size and flexibility of the curve, the child’s remaining growth, spinal balance, overall health, and the likely course of the deformity before recommending surgery.
Surgical options for scoliosis and spinal deformity
There is no single operation used for every scoliosis patient. The procedure is selected according to the patient’s age, curve pattern, spinal flexibility, symptoms, and overall alignment.
Posterior spinal fusion and deformity correction
Posterior spinal fusion is one of the most commonly used operations for significant adolescent scoliosis and is also used for many adult spinal deformities. Through an incision along the back, screws and rods are carefully placed to improve the alignment of the spine. Bone graft is used to allow the treated vertebrae to heal together into a stable fusion.
Decompression
Adult scoliosis may cause narrowing around the spinal nerves, leading to leg pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. A decompression procedure removes bone or tissue that is placing pressure on the nerves.
Spinal osteotomy and complex deformity correction
Patients with severe or rigid spinal deformities sometimes require additional techniques to safely restore alignment. An osteotomy involves carefully releasing or reshaping part of the spine so that a stiff deformity can be corrected.
Anterior, lateral, and minimally invasive approaches
In selected patients, portions of a spinal reconstruction may be performed through the front or side of the body or using minimally invasive techniques. These approaches can restore disc height, improve alignment, stabilize the spine, and address nerve compression.
The goal is not necessarily to make the spine perfectly straight. Rather, the surgeon aims to achieve a safe, balanced correction while preserving as much healthy spinal function as possible.
Advanced scoliosis and deformity care at University Spine Center
Scoliosis treatment requires more than measuring the curve. Our specialists evaluate how the head, spine, pelvis, and lower body work together to maintain comfortable and efficient posture.
Our goal is to select the treatment that best addresses the patient’s symptoms and deformity while considering long-term mobility, spinal balance, and quality of life.
Spinal alignment and balance
Detailed evaluation of overall spinal alignment and balance.
Advanced imaging
Advanced diagnostic and intraoperative imaging.
Neurologic monitoring
Neurologic monitoring during appropriate spinal deformity procedures.
Modern instrumentation
Modern spinal instrumentation and fixation techniques.
Minimally invasive approaches
Minimally invasive approaches when appropriate.
Navigation and robotics
Advanced navigation and robotic technology for selected procedures.
Rehabilitation and care
Individualized rehabilitation and postoperative care.
Important considerations when treating scoliosis
Every scoliosis curve is different. The appearance of an X-ray alone does not determine treatment.
For children, preserving healthy growth is an especially important consideration. For adults, treatment frequently focuses on improving pain, nerve symptoms, posture, balance, walking tolerance, and everyday function.
- Age and remaining growth
- Type, size, and location of the curve
- Whether the curve is progressing
- Overall spinal and pelvic balance
- Back or leg symptoms
- Nerve compression or neurological symptoms
- Bone quality
- Previous spine surgery
- Overall health and medical conditions
- The patient’s activities, goals, and quality of life
A personalized approach to scoliosis care
A diagnosis of scoliosis does not automatically mean surgery is necessary. Many patients can be treated with observation, physical therapy, bracing, medications, injections, or other nonsurgical approaches.
The spine specialists at University Spine Center provide evaluation and treatment for both pediatric and adult scoliosis, from routine curves to complex spinal deformity.