understanding treatment options for scoliosis
Receiving a scoliosis diagnosis for your child can be emotional and overwhelming. At Dayton Children’s, our comprehensive spine team is here to support you every step of the way - dedicated to providing the best care for your child, from diagnosis to treatment and beyond.
treatment options for scoliosis
Scoliosis treatment is not one-size-fits-all. The best plan for your child will depend on several factors, including:
- The degree of the curve (how severe the curve is)
- Your child's age and how much more they are expected to grow
- Whether the curve is progressive (getting worse over time)
Your child's doctor will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan that fits their specific need.
observation and monitoring
For children with mild scoliosis, the curve might not require immediate treatment. Instead, regular monitoring will be used to ensure the curve doesn’t worsen or get more severe:
- Approximately every six months, your child will have a physical exam and X-rays to check for changes in the curve.
- Observation is ideal for children with mild curves or those who are nearly finished growing.
Observation is a good option for scoliosis that is unlikely to progress. During this period, your child’s care team may recommend certain exercises or physical therapy, like Scolio-Pilates, to keep your child’s back strong and flexible.
bracing of scoliosis
For moderate scoliosis, particularly if your child is still growing, a brace can help prevent the curve from worsening. A custom-fitted brace is worn around your child’s torso. The brace doesn’t straighten the spine but can stop the curve from getting worse.
About 20% of kids with scoliosis will need to wear some type of back brace.
Bracing is typically used for children with a spinal curve between 25 to 45 degrees, especially if they are still growing.
While a brace may need to be worn for several hours a day, most children can still participate in daily activities, including school and sports. There are different types of braces, and we will help determine which one is the best fit. Our team will ensure the brace is comfortable and adjusted as your child grows.
ApiFix
A minimally invasive approach to correct a spinal curve in patients with scoliosis. The ApiFix device allows our spine surgeons to perform a surgical curve correction while retaining spine flexibility. Dayton Children's has performed more ApiFix procedures than nearly anywhere in the country.
how it works:
The ApiFix device acts as an internal brace and naturally expands as the child grows exercises. Recovery from ApiFix is relatively pain-free and is measured in days, not months.
when it's recommended:
The ApiFix system is indicated for use in patients with adolescent idopathic scoliosis meeting the following criteria:
- single curves classified as Lenke 1 (thoracic major curve) or Lenke 5 (thoracolumbar/lumbar major curve)
- cobb angle 35 - 60 degrees
- curves reduce to ≤ 30 degrees on lateral side-bending x-rays
- Kyphosis < 55 degrees (measured from T5 to T12)
benefits of ApiFix:
ApiFix offers substantial benefits over a traditional fusion surgery to straighten a curved spine, including:
- smaller incision
- less pain medication
- shorter hospital stay
- same day therapy
- only miss two weeks of school
- back to normal activities in 4 - 8 weeks
Have questions about ApiFix? We’re here to help! Schedule a free 30-minute consultation to learn more about the procedure and if your child is a good candidate.
BandLoc
Pioneered by Dayton Children’s chief of orthopedics, Dr. Michael Albert, the BandLoc spinal surgery procedure was designed to allow more efficiency in surgery and gain a better correction outcome.
how it works:
BandLoc is a specialized sublaminar polyester implant that is used to improve spinal deformity and correction. Think of it like a big zip tie made of polyester. The surgeon weaves the polyester band from pins and rods through the spine. The bands are simple, versatile and powerful, gradually correcting even large spinal deformities with no bone or band failures.
when it’s recommended:
The BandLoc system is an option for most scoliosis patients, especially those with low bone density or bone issues that prevent the ability to put pins in the vertebrae
benefits of BandLoc:
There are several benefits to BandLoc when compared to traditional spinal fusion surgery, including:
- The system takes the place of screws, which are difficult to place in some spinal curvatures.
- Provides an extra layer of control and stability.
- Can reduce the risk of infection and create a better correction outcome.
spinal fusion
A spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that's done to stabilize or straighten the bones in the back.
how it works:
Spinal fusion surgery involves using rods, screws and bone grafts to correct the curve and fuse the affected vertebrae together, so they grow into a single solid bone.
when it’s recommended:
Surgery is generally considered for children with curves greater than 45 to 50 degrees or when scoliosis is causing physical discomfort or affecting lung or heart function.
what to expect:
Surgery is performed under general anesthesia, and your child will stay in the hospital for several days. Recovery typically takes a few months and most children can return to normal activities within 6 to 12 months.
With each surgery option, patient families will work directly with Dayton Children’s spine nurse navigator before, during and after surgery. Our spine nurse navigator will provide education about what to expect while at the hospital for surgery and resources to support your child’s recovery.
ortho rehab
Scoliosis patients at Dayton Children’s will benefit from the comprehensive therapy services offered by the hospital’s ortho rehab team. The exercises offered in ortho rehab can benefit patients with even the mildest curves all the way to patients recovering from spine surgery through:
Physical therapy
Strengthening muscles around the spine can help improve posture and flexibility, especially when combined with bracing. Physical therapists will also work with patients following surgery to get them back to regular activity as quickly and safely as possible.
Scolio-Pilates
Scolio-Pilates is a 3-dimensional exercise program for scoliosis. This exercise program combines Pilates’ movements with therapy exercises to help:
- Elongation of the spine and posture
- Corrective breathing techniques
- Corrective placement toward spinal neutral
- Strengthening
choosing Dayton Children's for your scoliosis care
We know that managing scoliosis can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Whether it's the early stages of scoliosis or you’re navigating treatment options, we’re with you every step of the way - answering your questions, providing ongoing support and ensuring your child receives the highest level of care. Our comprehensive team of pediatric orthopedic specialists is dedicated to providing the best care for your child.
If you have any concerns about your child’s spine, you can schedule an appointment online with one of our spine experts today.schedule your appointment
