At University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, we specialize in treating all types of scoliosis including adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Our spine team includes multiple experts with advanced training in treating complex pediatric spinal problems. We specialize in both non-surgical and surgical treatments. Every patient will be individually assessed, and treatment recommendations will be based on the curve severity, the location and shape of the curvature and the child’s remaining growth. 

We offer a full range of treatment options from conservative measures to surgical reconstructive procedures. Our goal, through individualized treatment, is to stop the spinal curvature from getting worse and to correct the spinal curvature, when indicated, as safely as possible. Our team employs advanced treatment techniques, is heavily invested in ongoing improvements in patient care through research and will be there with the patients and their families at every step of the treatment journey.

To make an appointment, please reach out to our team to schedule with one of our spine experts. At your first appointment, we will start with a comprehensive history and physical exam, as well as an evaluation of your child’s spine X-ray.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is commonly painless and usually presents as cosmetic changes that become more apparent during a child’s growth spurt. The most common signs include:

• Asymmetry in shoulder height

• Difference in shoulder blade prominence or height

• Ribs becoming more prominent on one side

• Uneven trunk or waistline

• Changes in standing balance with head position no longer centered

• Clothing no longer fits or hangs the same

Frequently adolescent idiopathic scoliosis will be found during a routine screening physical exam. The diagnosing provider may first detect the curvature when performing Adam’s forward bend test. In this maneuver, with the child bending forward from the waist, small differences in rib and muscular prominences can be detected. If spinal curvature is suspected, standing X-rays of the spine will be ordered to assess the entirety of the spinal alignment and to measure the degree of spinal curvature. X-rays are the primary diagnostic modality, but if something atypical is found on physical exam or on X-ray further testing with magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography may also be recommended. At U-M Health, we also offer EOS imaging to allow accurate scoliosis evaluation with a fraction of the radiation dose of a typical scoliosis x-ray series.

At University of Michigan Health, our providers will partner with you in the care of your child’s spinal curvature to create an agreed upon individualized treatment pain. Depending on the recommended treatment, the goals include slowing and/or stopping the progression of the curve, delaying or preventing the need for surgery, surgically correcting the spinal curvature when indicated and preventing future health related issues. The degree of the spinal curvature and the amount of growth remaining in your child are key factors in the recommended treatment.

For children with smaller curvatures, most commonly below 25 degrees, ongoing monitoring will be recommended. As smaller curvatures are much more common than larger curvatures no further treatment could be required.

For children who are still growing with spinal curvature measuring 25 to 45 degrees, custom bracing will typically be recommended. The brace is molded to keep the spine in a straighter position during continued periods of growth. Our U-M orthotics team is available to work with patients and families through the process of molding and creation of a custom brace.

While bracing has been proven to be very successful in preventing curve progressing, if spinal curvature exceeds 45-50 degrees surgical correction is typically recommended. Our team will evaluate and determine what surgical option is best for your child, with spinal fusion being the most common surgical procedure performed. In this procedure the abnormally curved spine will be corrected as much as is safely possible, permanently stabilized and fused in place with the use of metal implants. When surgery is required our team is dedicated to patient safety and optimization of intra-operative and post-operative care to improve long-term outcomes for your child with idiopathic scoliosis.

Our team has cared for thousands of children and adolescents with scoliosis. We have specialized expertise in both non-surgical and surgical management. Our providers are national and international experts in caring for pediatric spinal conditions, and we actively participate in many of the leading research meetings and international research groups focused on various pediatric spinal conditions. Our experts are actively involved in research looking to understand and improve the nonoperative management and the optimization of surgical intervention of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

• Scoliosis Research Society

• Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America