Spine problems
Disease Information
Overview
We're fortunate that Children's is large enough that we can sub-specialize. We're able to make real advances in our respective fields by concentrating on our sub-specialties, like spine or hips, rather than every surgeon doing every procedure. This way, we can offer advanced techniques that you won't see in volume at other institutions.
Spinal Program Team, Boston Children's Hospital Orthopedic Center
If your baby or child has been diagnosed with a spinal problem—from a complex congenital (present at birth) condition to a less severe overuse injury—we know that you and your family are under stress. So, at Children’s Hospital Boston, we’ll approach your child’s treatment with sensitivity and support—for your child and your whole family.
If your child’s condition is serious, you can have peace of mind knowing that the team in the Children's Spinal Program has treated a large volume of spinal problems that few pediatric hospitals have seen—and can provide expert diagnosis, treatment and care.
The Children’s Hospital Boston approach
Children’s Spinal Program is known for clinical innovation, research and leadership. We offer the most advanced diagnostics and treatments—several of which were pioneered and developed by our own researchers and clinicians.
One of the first comprehensive programs, Children’s Orthopedic Center is the largest and busiest pediatric orthopedic surgery center in the United States, performing more 6,000 surgical procedures each year. Our program, ranked among the top three in the country by U.S.News & World Report, is the nation’s preeminent care center for children and young adults with developmental, congenital, neuromuscular and post-traumatic problems of the musculoskeletal system.
Some of our team’s unique accomplishments include our:
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development of the Boston Brace, a custom bracing system widely used throughout the United States and Europe
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unique experience in the treatment of adolescent hip conditions
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success with the VEPTR™(vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib) procedure: In 1998, Children’s was selected as a site for the first extensive VEPTR use outside San Antonio, where it was developed. Children’s has the second most extensive VEPTR experience in the nation.
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experience with, and emphasis on, treating infantile (early-onset) scoliosis
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experience with, and research in, brachial plexus birth palsy, including our international, multi-center study of this complex condition
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Sports Medicine Program, including its pioneering research into the regeneration of ACL tissue and growth plate-sparing surgeries for ACL repair in pre-adolescents
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extensive orthopedic research laboratories
- Orthopedic Clinical Effectiveness Research Center for the study of children’s musculoskeletal disorders
Spinal conditions that we treat in infants and children include:
- idiopathic scoliosis
- neuromuscular scoliosis
- congenital scoliosis and other vertebral anomalies
- early-onset scoliosis
- kyphosis
- spina bifida
- spinal deformities associated with bone dysplasias, metabolic bone disease and connective tissue disorders
- spondylolysis
- spondylolisthesis
Each year, our Spinal Program caregivers provide comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, consultation, treatment and follow-up care for children during more than 6,000 outpatient visits. And every year, our orthopedic surgeons perform more than 300 spine procedures on babies, children, adolescents and young adults.
| We offer orthopedic care in lots of places |
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| Boston Children’s physicians provide orthopedic care—including for scoliosis and other spine problems—at locations in Lexington, Peabody, Weymouth and Waltham, as well as at our main campus in Boston. |
| If you come from far away, we can help |
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| As an international pediatric orthopedics center, Children’s treats young patients from all over the world. Our International Center assists families residing outside the United States: we facilitate the medical review of patient records; coordinate appointment scheduling; and help families with customs and immigration, transportation, hotel and housing accommodations. |
Spine problems: Reviewed by John Emans, MD
© Children’s Hospital Boston, 2010
