Expert Orthopedic Care For Scoliosis

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Scoliosis is a sideways curve in the spine commonly seen in children and adolescents. There are several different types of scoliosis. By far, the most common type is idiopathic, which means that the exact cause is not known. Idiopathic scoliosis can occur in toddlers and young children, but the majority of cases occur from age 10 to the time a child is fully grown.

Treatment for scoliosis may take several forms depending on the age of the patient, the type of scoliosis and the tendency of the curve to worsen.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is not life threatening, and most curves do not cause serious problems. Children with scoliosis can lead normal, active lives, including participation in sports.

If the curve gets really large, it can cause heart and lung problems. A very severe curve can also compress nerves or the spinal cord, which can result in paralysis. However, this is extremely rare. Proper treatment will prevent the curve from progressing to such a severe degree.

Yes. People who have curves that do not require surgery are able to participate in the same activities and sports as people without scoliosis. There are rarely restrictions on any of their activities.

The same usually applies to people who have had surgery for scoliosis. They can have the same jobs as people who have not had scoliosis surgery. They can usually do the same sports as before surgery. They should, however, contact their doctors before starting new activities (jobs or sports) to make sure they have no specific restrictions.

Most scoliosis surgeons agree that children who have very severe curves (45 to 50° and higher) will need surgery to lessen the curve and prevent it from getting worse.

The most common surgery for scoliosis is a spinal fusion with metal rods and screws and a bone graft. The basic idea is to realign (straighten) and fuse (weld) together the curved vertebrae so that they heal into a single, solid bone.

Other "fusionless" surgery is also possible. In this surgery, screws are placed in the vertebrae and connected by cable. This surgery is called vertebral body tethering (VBT). Tension on the cable corrects the spine to a certain point, and continued growth after the surgery further straightens the spine. This procedure is designed for growing children and allows for motion in the part of the spine that was operated on.

With the tools and technology available today, scoliosis surgeons are able to improve curves significantly.

Dr. Wiemann uses the most advanced surgical techniques for the safe correction of scoliosis curvature throughout childhood and early adulthood.  Depending on the specific type of curvature present, treatment will include a CT scan for planning of the operation and the use of advanced preoperative digital templating and 3-D printed guides that match specifically to your spine in surgery and help to ensure the most accurate placement of the screws and rods possible.

Dr. Wiemann has also developed a protocol that is used in several hospitals to provide appropriate education before and after the surgery as well as reduce the amount of pain experienced after surgery.  The protocol also reduced blood loss and duration of surgery that leads to shorter hospital stays and reduced complication rates.