Spine and scoliosis care at Peyton Manning Children's Hospital
Highly trained pediatric spine surgeons at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis care for spinal injuries and complex spine conditions, including scoliosis and spinal deformities.
Spine conditions we diagnose and treat
The spine and scoliosis program at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital brings together an experienced multispecialty team. Scoliosis refers to abnormal curvature of the spine. When the spine curves over 45-50 degrees, surgical intervention may be recommended to prevent permanent curvature into adulthood. The orthopedic surgeons at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital perform an average of over 50 cases per year.
Together, our care team delivers comprehensive and personalized treatment for all types of scoliosis and the most complex spine conditions, including:
- Brittle bone disease (osteogenesis imperfecta)
- Cerebral palsy
- Scheuermann's kyphosis
- 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
Your child’s care team includes pediatric orthopedic surgeons, pediatric neurosurgeons, pediatric anesthesiologists, child life specialists, and pediatric physical therapists.
Diagnosing spinal conditions and deformities
To diagnose your child’s spine condition, our spine specialists start with a physical exam to measure and evaluate the curve and shape of your child’s spine. If imaging is recommended, Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital offers imaging technology, including, CT-scan and MRI. We listen to understand you and your child’s concerns and then work with you to create a personalized treatment plan.
Some conditions require routine imaging. We use equipment specifically made for children and follow pediatric protocols set by Image Gently®, the Alliance for Radiation Safety in Pediatric Imaging. Our goal is to use the least amount of radiation needed. Our care teams also include sedation specialists and certified child life specialists to help keep your child calm and relaxed during imaging, which can also reduce the amount of time your child is exposed to radiation.
Advanced treatment for scoliosis and spinal deformities
Whenever possible, minimally invasive procedures are recommended. These types of procedures use smaller incisions and may lead to a shorter recovery. Sometimes, more complex surgery is needed.
Your child’s multispecialty care team meets regularly to discuss your child’s care plan, which can include a wide variety of non-surgical and surgical treatments such as:
-
Casting and bracing
Casting treats a spine curvature or scoliosis in a very young child, usually under 4 years old. With this treatment, your child wears a series of plaster casts that are changed every few weeks. Casting can slow the progression of spinal curvature and, in some cases, correct the curvature completely. Bracing may be recommended after casting.
Bracing treats a spine curvature or scoliosis in a teen who is still growing. With this treatment, your child wears a custom-fit back brace to keep scoliosis from progressing, and decreases the likelihood of surgery in the future. Back braces are made of hard plastic and can be worn discreetly under clothing. Typically, children wear back braces from the time scoliosis is detected to when they have finished growing.
-
Growing rods
Growing rods 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 adjusts the rods to help straighten your child’s spine. The rod is removed when a child stops growing and has a spinal fusion.
-
Spinal fusion
Spinal fusion corrects a curve in the spine or provides stability within the spine. This surgical procedure uses screws, rods or metal plates to hold the spine in place while the vertebrae permanently fuse together.
Spine specialists at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital use the latest surgical techniques and technology. CT-guided surgery helps your child’s surgeon determine placement of hardware such as screws. These advanced technologies help your surgeon perform procedures with greater clarity and precision.
The highest level of trauma and surgical care for spine injuries
For children with a traumatic spine injury, Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital has a pediatric ER, pediatric intensive care unit, Level I Pediatric Trauma Center and Level I Pediatric Surgery Center accredited by the American College of Surgeons. With the highest level of comprehensive pediatric trauma and surgery care, we are able to treat the most complex conditions and injuries.