Spine Disorders and Injuries
The pediatric spine service is staffed by a team of physicians, nurse practitioners and physical therapists working together to provide comprehensive treatment of pediatric spine disorders. The most common orthopedic spine disorder is scoliosis - a condition that affects up to three percent of children.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine develops a curved shape, typically a “C” or “S” shape. If not corrected, the condition may become worse over time.
Scoliosis is one of three types:
- Congenital scoliosis means that the spine did not form correctly in utero.
- Neuromuscular scoliosis develops along with a neuromuscular disorder such as spina bifida or cerebral palsy.
- Idiopathic scoliosis means that the cause of the condition is undetermined.
Our orthopedists treat all forms of scoliosis and are experts in all types of treatment, including nonsurgical and surgical approaches to care. One of the fastest growing areas of our practice is early onset scoliosis. We offer the full spectrum of treatment, including: casting, fusionless techniques (growing rods), osteotomies (surgical procedures that reposition part of the spine to create proper alignment), and thoracoscopic spine surgery (a minimally invasive procedure that uses a thoracoscope to correct spine deformities).
My Journey with Scoliosis
Young scoliosis patient Emily Dugan shares her personal journey with the disease and her treatment at Hasbro Children’s Hospital in this patient-produced video.
Spina Bifida
We also offer extensive diagnostic, treatment, support and follow-up services for children with spina bifida, a condition in which the spine does not close properly in utero. We take a multidisciplinary approach, and our orthopedic surgeons work closely with orthopedists, neurosurgeons, neurologists, urologists, nurses and physical and occupational therapists to treat the complications that can affect children with spina bifida, including myelomeningocele.
Other Conditions We Treat
- Other spine deformities, including kyphosis
- Fractures and acquired injuries of the spine
More about pediatric orthopedics at Hasbro Children's Hospital