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Spine and scoliosis care

Pediatric spine surgeons at Dell Children’s Medical Center evaluate, diagnose and surgically treat scoliosis and other complex spine conditions.

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Pediatric spine and scoliosis care at Dell Children's

Orthopedics at Dell Children's Medical Center is ranked among the nation's best by U.S. News & World Report 2023-24.Dell Children’s Medical Center at Ascension Seton has the only comprehensive pediatric orthopedic program in Central Texas — and that includes care for your child’s spine. Highly trained pediatric spine specialists at Dell Children’s care for injuries and common to complex spine conditions, including scoliosis and spinal deformities. The Spine and Scoliosis Program at Dell Children’s Medical Center brings together an experienced multidisciplinary team. Together, our care team delivers comprehensive and personalized treatment for even the most complex spine conditions.

The highest level of trauma and surgical care for spine injuries

For children with a traumatic spine injury, we provide the most advanced care. At Dell Children’s Medical Center, we have a pediatric ER, Level I Pediatric Trauma Center and Level I Pediatric Surgery Center, accredited by the American College of Surgeons. This is the highest level of pediatric trauma and surgery care, meaning we are able to treat even the most complex conditions and injuries. And we have a pediatric intensive care unit – delivering comprehensive care for children with a severe injury.

A multidisciplinary approach to spine care

Your child’s multidisciplinary team includes pediatric orthopedic surgeons, pediatric neurosurgeons, pediatric anesthesiologists, pediatric pain management specialists, pediatric psychologists, child life specialists, pediatric physical therapists and a spine nurse navigator. We deliver care for the following conditions:
  • Back pain
  • Brittle bone disease (osteogenesis imperfecta)
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Cervical kyphosis (forward curve in the neck)
  • Congenital scoliosis
  • Congenital spine malformations (present at birth)
  • Hemivertebrae (when half of the spine does not form)
  • Idiopathic scoliosis
  • Neurofibromatosis (tumors on the spine)
  • Neuromuscular scoliosis
  • Skeletal dysplasias (abnormal development of bones and tissues in the spine)
  • Spinal fracture
  • Spondylolysis (stress fracture in the spine)
  • Spondylolisthesis (when a spine bone slips out of place)
  • Thoracic kyphosis (forward curve in the upper back)
  • Traumatic spine injury

Diagnosing spinal conditions and deformities

To diagnose your child’s spine condition, your child’s spine specialists may start with a physical exam that includes measurement and evaluation of curvature as well as recommended imaging. Dell Children’s Spine and Scoliosis Program offers some of the most advanced imaging technology, including low-dose X-ray, CT-scan, MRI, bone tests and 3D printing of complex spine deformities. These advanced technologies help your child’s doctor better understand the curve and shape of your child’s spine. Testing and evaluation along with other information such as underlying cause, medical history, age, family preference, tolerance of procedures, and how the condition will progress are all part of a recommended treatment plan your child’s doctor will discuss with you. We listen and work with you to make sure the treatment plan is right for your child and your family.

Some conditions require routine imaging – our goal is to use the least amount of radiation needed. Many parents have concerns about exposing their child to frequent X-rays. Whenever possible, we use low-dose X-ray and imaging to help reduce exposure.

Advanced care for scoliosis and spinal deformities

Surgery or a combination of non-surgical and surgical treatments may be part of your child’s care plan. Whenever possible, minimally invasive procedures are recommended in order to help shorten recovery time. But sometimes, more complex surgery is needed. Your child’s multispecialty care team meets regularly to discuss your child’s care plan to recommend any adjustments as needed. Each care plan is personalized for your child and their specific needs.

Spine specialists at Dell Children’s use the latest surgical techniques and technology, including the Mazor X Stealth™. This robotic technology allows your child’s surgeon to visualize the spine during surgery and the robotic arms help guide your child’s surgeon. We also use CT-guided surgery, which helps your child’s surgeon visualize your child’s spine and any hardware, such as screws, that need to be placed. These advanced technologies help your surgeon perform procedures with greater precision.

Our spine specialists are experienced in a wide variety of non-surgical and surgical treatments, including:

  • Casting and bracing

    Casting may be used to treat a spine curvature or scoliosis in a very young child, usually under 4 years old. With this treatment, your child will wear a series of plaster casts that get changed every few weeks. Casting can slow the progression of a spinal curvature, and in some cases, correct the curvature completely.

    Bracing may be recommended after casting. Bracing may be used to treat a spine curvature or scoliosis in a teen who is still growing. With this treatment, your child will wear a custom-fit back brace to keep the scoliosis from progressing and decrease their likelihood of needing surgery in the future. Back braces are made of hard plastic and can be worn unnoticeably under clothes. Typically children wear back braces from the time scoliosis is detected to when they are done growing.

  • Growing rods
    Growing rods are used to treat scoliosis in children who will eventually need a spinal fusion, but are still growing. A metal rod is surgically implanted and attached to the spine above and below the curve. Every few months, your child’s surgeon will adjust the rods to help straighten your child’s spine. The rod is typically removed when a child has stopped growing and has a spinal fusion.
  • Halo traction
    Halo traction is used to gently straighten or decompress a child’s spine. During this procedure, your child’s surgeon places a metal ring (halo) around your child’s head. It’s held in place by small pins that attach to your child’s skull. The halo is then attached to a device on your child’s bed, wheelchair and walker that gently straightens and decompresses your child’s spine. Your child will stay in the hospital the entire time during this treatment. They will still be able to move and play with the halo on.
  • Spinal fusion
    Spinal fusion may be used to correct a curve in the spine or to provide stability within the spine. This surgical procedure permanently connects the vertebrae (spinal bones) together. Screws, rods or metal plates may also be used to help hold the spine in place while the vertebrae fuse together.
  • Tethering
    Tethering is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that helps straighten a child’s spine as they grow. During the procedure, your child’s spine surgeon attaches a tether alongside the spine using small screws. As your child grows, the tether guides the spine into a straighter position.

Meet our care team

Our highly trained pediatric spine specialists at Dell Children’s care for your child's spine condition, including scoliosis and spinal deformities.

What sets us apart

Dedicated nurse navigator

Our spine nurse navigator helps you schedule appointments, understand the surgical process, and educates you on how to care for your child after surgery.

Caring for the whole child

Certified child life specialists work with your family to create a care plan that supports your child’s emotional health and well-being.

Advanced spine care

Our multidisciplinary care team delivers personalized treatment for even the most complex spine conditions.

Spine and scoliosis care