Scoliosis

Welcome to the Scoliosis Center of Excellence

Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine has an abnormal curve. Healthy spines have a natural front-to-back curve. A spine with scoliosis curves front to back but also curves sideways. Some spines curve to the left or the right in a “C” shape, while others curve in both directions, forming an “S” shape. 

Scoliosis ranges from mild to severe, based on the degree of the curve. Treatment depends on whether the curve is stable or growing and whether it is mild, moderate or severe. 

The degree of the curve may increase over time, especially during growth spurts. If detected early, many children with scoliosis can be treated without surgery, but only if treatment begins before their curve becomes severe. 

Types of Scoliosis

• Idiopathic scoliosis – the most common type of scoliosis. Idiopathic scoliosis mainly affects infants, young children and adolescents, especially adolescent girls. In younger children, it is sometimes referred to as “infantile scoliosis” or “early onset scoliosis.” This type of scoliosis has no known cause.
• Neuromuscular scoliosis – a side effect of conditions that impair muscles so that they are too weak to support the spine, such as cerebral palsy, myopathy or spina bifida. 
• Congenital scoliosis – caused by a failure of the vertebrae to form properly while a baby is developing before birth. It is the least common form of scoliosis and often part of a broad set of developmental issues.
• Syndromic scoliosis – caused by syndromes that affect muscular development around the spine, such as Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and Down syndrome.
  

Scoliosis Symptoms

• Head not centered over the rest of the body
• Uneven shoulder/shoulder blade heights or positions
• Uneven shoulder blade prominence
• Uneven arm length when standing up straight
• Uneven hip heights or positions
• Lopsided appearance of the back when bending forward

Most of the time, scoliosis does not cause back pain or other health problems. 

Scoliosis Treatment & Surgery

The Scoliosis Center of Excellence at the Pediatric Orthopedic Center is affiliated with one of the largest and busiest pediatric spine center in the northeast. Our pediatric scoliosis doctors treat all types of scoliosis and other spinal conditions, from the most common to the most complex.

With early intervention, the majority of our patients are treated successfully with bracing, including the RIGO brace, and other non-invasive treatments such as SCHROTH therapy and nutritional supplementation.

We have the only Nobel prize-winning technology for X-rays in northern New Jersey – the EOS system – which uses 10 to 50 times less radiation than standard X-rays. With EOS, a 3-D model of the spine can be created to improve the planning and accuracy of surgeries and to improve outcomes.

For children who need surgery, our surgical team includes board-certified pediatric scoliosis surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses with specific skills and expertise in spinal fusion surgery. You can have peace of mind that your child is being treated by New Jersey’s top pediatric scoliosis surgeons.

When your child is seen at the Scoliosis Center of Excellence you can expect your child to have a thorough evaluation. The various treatment options will be discussed and the optimal treatment plan will be developed and implemented.

If you suspect your child has scoliosis, call the Scoliosis Center of Excellence today at 973-538-7700 or request an appointment online with one of our pediatric scoliosis specialists.

New Jersey’s Top Pediatric Scoliosis Doctors

Mark Rieger, MD is a board-certified pediatric orthopedic surgeon and the founding partner and senior physician at The Pediatric Orthopedic Center. His expertise in scoliosis is matched only by his compassion for his patients. His technique earned him recognition as one of the “Top 100 Minimally Invasive Surgeons in the Tri-State Area” by New York magazine.

Schedule an appointment with one of our pediatric scoliosis specialists today and meet our team of award-winning doctors at The Pediatric Orthopedic Center.