October is National Spina Bifida Awareness Month. Spina bifida is the most common permanently disabling birth defect in the U.S. The condition affects 1,500 children each year. What do you know about the condition? Learn more about spina bifida types, what causes spina bifida and much more. What is spina bifida? Spina bifida is a…
Scoliosis affects about 7 million people in the U.S. Scoliosis describes an abnormal curve in the spine, which can vary in severity. Scoliosis can develop in infancy or early childhood, and many children are diagnosed with scoliosis from around ages 10 to 15. For children who need treatment, options range from physical therapy, such as…
The typical scoliosis screening age starts about age 10, as the screening is most helpful during an adolescent’s growth spurt. If your health care provider detects a curve in the spine that needs treatment, a brace will often correct the condition at this age and can prevent the need for surgery later in life. Girls…
Gracie Latkovski is sitting up straighter and breathing easier after undergoing state-of-the-art spine surgery. Her surgeons were able to be precise in her complex surgery by preparing with the help of a 3D printed replica of the 14-year-old’s spine. “Health-wise, it has helped her tremendously,” said Christin Latkovski, Gracie’s mother. “We are totally excited about…
I remember coming home from school in tears one afternoon. Earlier that day, our sixth-grade class had received health screenings. After looking over my back, one of the examiners gave me some shocking news. “You probably need to see a doctor,” she said. “I think you have scoliosis.” I was terrified. I’d heard that some…