Pediatric Scoliosis Treatment, Pediatric Curvature of the Spine

Scoliosis is an abnormal sideways curvature and rotation of the spine. About 2 to 3 percent of the U.S. population, or 7 million people, have this condition.

Scoliosis may be detected in infancy, childhood or adolescence. While this condition affects both girls and boys, girls are 10 times more likely than boys to need corrective surgery for it.

Pediatric Scoliosis at Cleveland Clinic The thing to pay attention to is whether or not scoliosis progresses. Curves that are larger have a greater chance of progressing than smaller curves. However, even mild curvatures may worsen as a child's spine grows.

Progression can lead to severe consequences in adulthood, including lung and heart problems and potential back pain. That's why it is important to detect scoliosis as early as possible, monitor its progress and intervene when necessary.

Download our free pediatric scoliosis guide to learn:

What are the main types of scoliosis in children
How to identify scoliosis early through new innovative tests
Details on the four treatment options for scoliosis including surgery
Common scoliosis myths
A listing of Cleveland Clinic pediatric orthopaedic surgeons
Patient success stories

The Center for Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery, part of the Orthopaedic and Rheumatologic Institute and associated with Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital, offers comprehensive quality care for the complete range of common and complicated orthopaedic problems. Our pediatric orthopaedic surgeons are a part of Cleveland Clinic's Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, currently ranked No.4 in the US and highest in Ohio by U.S.News & World Report.

Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital has pediatric anesthesiologists on staff. They are adept at managing children's anesthesia, and will provide general anesthesia for spine surgery. Large centers like ours also have a neurological team to monitor spinal cord function minute-by-minute during the entire procedure.