Spine problems
Disease Information
Tests
At Children’s Hospital Boston, we know that the first step in treating your child is forming an accurate and complete diagnosis.
Most spinal problems are detected by a child’s parents or pediatrician, or by school screenings. Once a problem is detected, doctors will use medical and family histories, physical exams and diagnostic tests to determine the nature and extent of your child’s spinal condition. Testing can include:
- x-rays
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- computerized tomography scan (CT or CAT scan)
- blood tests
- ultrasound (sonogram)
- bone scans
- bone density scans (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, DEXA, DXA)
- pulmonary function tests
For details see diagnostics for:
| Our Orthopedic Clinical Effectiveness Research Center (CERC) |
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The Clinical Effectiveness Research Center (CERC) was established by the Orthopedic Center to improve the quality of life for children with musculoskeletal disorders. This collaborative clinical research program is unique in the nation and is playing an instrumental role in establishing, for the first time, evidence-based standards of care for pediatric orthopedic patients throughout the world. |
