Testing and diagnosis of idiopathic scoliosis

Early detection of idiopathic scoliosis is important for successful treatment of spinal curves. At Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, a trained pediatric orthopedic physician will perform a complete medical history, a physical examination and a visual evaluation of the curvature of your child's spine.

Imaging tests take a closer look at your child's spine to see if there are any problems with the bones and to measure what degree of curvature is present.

X-rays are one of the primary diagnostic tools for idiopathic scoliosis and show the precise angles of curvature in two-dimensional pictures.

The EOS Imaging System is another diagnostic tool available at CHOP. EOS is a low-dose, 3-D imaging system that scans your child standing up. It uses a fraction of the radiation dose that a general radiography X-ray uses, which is especially beneficial for patients with scoliosis that may require frequent imaging. CHOP was the first institution in the U.S. to introduce “EOS micro-dose” for use in scoliosis follow up. Micro-dose uses one-third of the standard EOS radiation dose.

An EOS scan shows us your child's natural, weight-bearing posture and allows us to see the interaction between the joints and the rest of the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine, hips and legs.

If the curve pattern is not typical or if there is something unusual on the X-ray, a physician may order one or more of the following tests to provide more details:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within your child's body. An MRI does not expose your child to radiation.
• Computed tomography (CT) scan, which uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images ("slices") of the body. CT scans are helpful in detecting ribcage problems.

Treatments for idiopathic scoliosis

At CHOP, we practice collaborative, family-centered care. A team of expert clinicians — including leading orthopedic physicians and surgeons, pediatric nurses, physical and occupational therapists, and other specialists — will partner with you in the care of your child.

Every spine condition is different, so treatment is determined on a case-by-case basis. In planning your child's individual treatment, our team of specialists will consider the severity of the curve, where it occurs in the spine, and your child's age and stage of growth.

Non-surgical scoliosis interventions

Many patients with mild idiopathic scoliosis do well without surgery and may only need to be regularly monitored by a physician to make sure the curve doesn't worsen. Monitoring may include regular observation, X-rays and lab tests.

For a child with a spinal curve less than 25 degrees, ongoing monitoring by a pediatric orthopedist is generally recommended. If doctors document the child's spinal curves are worsening, back bracing may be recommended.

Back braces are the first line of defense against a child's worsening spinal curves caused by idiopathic scoliosis. When properly made and worn as instructed, a brace can hold the curve in a (partially) corrected position, preventing progression of the deformity. Recent powerful studies, including the NIH-funded BrAIST trial conducted at CHOP and other major scoliosis centers, proved that braces are very successful in halting the progression of scoliosis.

Braces are generally used for spinal curves between 25 and 40 degrees in children with significant growth remaining; in rare circumstances, bracing is used in larger or smaller curves. When scoliosis exceeds 45-50 degrees, surgical correction is usually necessary.

Surgical interventions

There are several surgical options to correct idiopathic scoliosis. Doctors will evaluate your child and determine which surgery is right for your child based on your child’s long-term health needs, his age, his skeletal maturity, and several other medical considerations.

Spinal fusion

If your child is in the final 2-3 years of growth or has finished growing, spinal fusion surgery may be recommended to correct the deformity as much as possible. This surgery permanently stabilizes your child's spine.

In this procedure, the abnormal curved spinal bones may be realigned and fused together. Metal implants are also inserted to correct the curvature.

Growing rods

For children who have many years of growth remaining, a growth-friendly option is preferred.

In growing rod surgery, the curve in your child's back is spanned by one or two rods under the skin to avoid damaging the growth tissue of the spine. The rods are attached to your child’s spine and vertebrae above and below the curve. The growing rods help guide spinal growth and drive the spine straight.

As your child grows, he will return to the Hospital every six months for outpatient surgery to have the growing rods expanded. This approach minimizes the spinal deformity, maximizes spine growth and allows continued lung development as your child grows.

Our surgeons have pioneered the use of magnetically adjustable growing rods. These rods can be adjusted in the doctor’s office without the need for a surgery or general anesthesia. This technology has greatly reduced the number of surgeries growing rod patients require

Vertebral body tethering

Our surgeons were among the first to perform vertebral tethering surgery, which was recently approved by the FDA. Learn more about this innovative new surgical treatment.

VEPTR

If your child is still growing and the spinal curve is affecting rib and lung development, your child may also be diagnosed with thoracic insufficiency syndrome.

If this is the case, an innovative surgical device called vertical expandable prosthetic titanium ribs (VEPTR) may be recommended by your child's orthopedic physician. VEPTR stabilizes the curved spine and allows your child’s ribs, spine and lungs to expand and grow.

Like growing rods, VEPTR is surgically adjusted as your child ages and reaches full skeletal maturity.

Safety in spine surgery

Surgery can dramatically improve the long-term outcomes for your child with idiopathic scoliosis, but it can also be a stressful experience for you and your child.

At CHOP, we offer a wealth of resources that can help you and your child prepare for surgery.

Additionally, we follow many best practices before, during and after surgery to decrease the risk of infection and increase positive outcomes. Our safety protocols have been so successful that they have been adopted by many other institutions. Some safety protocols our orthopedic surgical team uses include:

• A strict perioperative antibiotic protocol
• The use of cutting-edge navigation and imaging equipment during surgery, such as StealthStation® and O-arm® Surgical Imaging
• Continuous monitoring of anesthesia during surgery, including specialized spinal cord monitoring
• Postoperative clinical pathways to ensure quality and standardization of care processes, and rapid post-operative recovery

To learn more, read how we make safety in surgery a top priority.

Follow-up care

If bracing is required as treatment for idiopathic scoliosis, your child will be re-evaluated every six months until your child's condition is stable. If bracing is recommended as a temporary treatment leading up to spinal surgery, your child will be evaluated regularly before and after surgery until your child's condition is stable. After your child's spine is stabilized, annual visits to an orthopedic healthcare provider are recommended.

If your child received growing rods or VEPTR surgery, an additional procedure — spinal fusion — may be necessary when your child has finished growing.

For children who received vertebral body tethering, in most cases the screws and cable used will not need to be removed or adjusted.

At Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, we offer a wealth of ongoing support and services for your child and family at our Main Campus and throughout our CHOP Care Network. Our team is committed to partnering with you to provide the most current, comprehensive and specialized care possible for your child.

We recognize your child's pediatrician as an important part of the clinical team and provide regular updates on your child's progress. If continued care and monitoring is necessary long-term, we will help transition your child's care to an adult orthopedic team.

Outlook for children with idiopathic scoliosis

Almost all children with surgically corrected idiopathic scoliosis do well and lead active, healthy lives. With a few exceptions, children can return to sports. Scoliosis surgery does not affect the ability to choose a career with high physical demands nor does it affect childbearing in adulthood. When clothed, most children with idiopathic scoliosis show no visible signs or symptoms of scoliosis five years after surgery.