Scoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine that can develop in children and teens. It is typically diagnosed in the tween and early teen years. Experts do not fully understand the causes of most childhood scoliosis, and several factors may contribute to scoliosis in children.   

What Is Scoliosis in Children?

A healthy child’s spine has gentle curves when viewed from the side. When scoliosis is present, the spine curves to the side, forming a “C” or “S” shape when viewed from behind. The severity of the curve and the age of the child at diagnosis are key factors in deciding the best course of treatment.

Most children with scoliosis can live active, healthy lives with the right care. Early diagnosis and monitoring are essential — especially during growth spurts.

Signs and Symptoms of Scoliosis in Children

Look for these common signs in your child:

• Uneven shoulders or shoulder blades
• One hip higher than the other
• Uneven waistline
• Leaning to one side
• One side of the back sticks out more when bending forward
• Chest asymmetry –  when one side of the chest sticks out more than the other)

If you notice any of these signs, a visit to a pediatric orthopedic specialist can help determine if scoliosis is present.

Types of Scoliosis in Children

Idiopathic Scoliosis

The most common form of scoliosis in young children is called idiopathic scoliosis. It has no known cause and often runs in families. It occurs ten times more often in children assigned female at birth.   It is grouped by age:

• Infantile scoliosis (newborn to 3 years old)
• Juvenile scoliosis (4 to 9 years old)
• Adolescent scoliosis (10 to 18 years old) – the most common type

Neuromuscular Scoliosis

This type of scoliosis is related to conditions such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy or spina bifida. It often causes a “C”-shaped curve, spinal rotation that can pull the ribs out of alignment and pelvic imbalances. 

Congenital Scoliosis

Present at birth, congenital scoliosis results from abnormal spinal development during pregnancy. Vertebrae may be missing, fused together or malformed.

Syndromic Scoliosis

Other types of scoliosis are more common in adults, including degenerative scoliosis.

Diagnosing and Monitoring Scoliosis in Children

Scoliosis is diagnosed through a physical exam and imaging, typically X-rays. The Cobb angle is the gold standard diagnostic tool. Using X-ray technology, it measures spine curvature and assigns a degree of mild, moderate or severe. This helps the health care team determine next steps for diagnosing and treating the child’s specific spinal condition. 

Children who are still growing are at higher risk for progression of the curve. Catching scoliosis early allows for less invasive treatments and reduces the need for surgery later in life.

Low-dose EOS Imaging for Kids

Frequent imaging often is necessary to monitor scoliosis in children. At Norton Children’s Orthopedics of Louisville, we use EOS Imaging, a state-of-the-art 2D/3D imaging system designed for children.

Benefits of EOS:

• 50% to 85% less radiation than standard X-rays
• Up to 95% less radiation than CT scans
• Microdose capabilities for long-term monitoring
• Detailed 3D images for surgical planning, if needed

Thanks to support from the Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation and the PACCAR Foundation, this advanced imaging system is available at Norton Hospital in the Norton Leatherman Spine office.

Pediatric Scoliosis Treatment Options

Every child is unique, and our pediatric orthopedic team creates custom treatment plans based on your child’s curve severity and growth stage. Treatment options include:

• Observation for mild curves that don’t require intervention
• Bracing to prevent further curve progression
• Surgery (such as spinal fusion, magnetic growing rods, tethering and other growth- friendly surgery options) for severe scoliosis

Without treatment, complications may develop later in life, including:

• Pain in the neck, back or hips
• Reduced range of motion 
• Changes in physical appearance
• In severe cases, pulmonary, cardiovascular or digestive issues
• Body image issues

Why Choose Norton Children’s for Pediatric Scoliosis Care?

• Pediatric specialists with advanced training in spine care
• Family-centered approach to care and treatment planning
• On-site low-dose imaging
• Multidisciplinary collaboration (neurology, rehabilitation and others)
• Convenient locations in Louisville and throughout Kentucky. 

Why Choose Norton Children’s Orthopedics of Louisville

• Dedicated appointment times in our fracture clinic mean patients with stabilized fractures often see an orthopedist within a few days, even during the busy summer months.
• Offices in Hikes Point and on Westport Road provide easy access to advanced pediatric orthopedic care.
• Advanced multidisciplinary clinics are available. Our pediatric orthopedists work side by side with specialists in neurosciences, urology and other specialties to provide easier scheduling and coordinated care.
• Extremely low-dose imaging for kids with scoliosis and other conditions that require frequent imaging provides high-quality diagnostics at a fraction of the radiation emitted by traditional X-rays.
• Norton Mobility Lab, located on the Norton Healthcare – St. Matthews campus, provides rehabilitation for kids with cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, stroke, incomplete spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis.
• While most kids with orthopedic conditions don’t need surgery, Norton Children’s Hospital is verified as a Level I Children’s Surgery Center by the American College of Surgeons Children’s Surgery Verification (ACS CSV) Quality Improvement Program.
• Medicare, Medicaid and most major commercial insurance plans are accepted.
• Book appointments, get alerts when an earlier appointment becomes available, communicate with your medical provider, refill prescriptions and more through your free Norton MyChart account.