Our award-winning, internationally recognized physicians treat more than 10,000 children with scoliosis each year.

In the United States, 2% to 5% of children develop scoliosis, where the spine curves to make a C shape or S shape, rather than growing in a straight line. Over time, the curve can worsen, making it more noticeable and causing pain. In instances where the curve of the spine is more severe and is left untreated, it has the potential to impact the heart, lungs and other internal organs as they grow and become more crowded.

Diagnosing scoliosis in children is fairly straightforward. If an X-ray shows a spine curvature of 10 degrees or greater, the next step is to meet with a doctor who specializes in pediatric orthopedics for an examination.

Our philosophy is to consider all of the options for your child. This ranges from scoliosis-specific exercise therapy and Mehta casting, to the most advanced surgical treatments, such as the MAGEC System for guided growth of the spine, vertebral body tethering and spinal fusion. Together we’ll create a treatment plan that is the best fit for your child’s age, the severity of their condition, and the activities they love.

Scoliosis overview with Dr. Steven Hwang

Dr. Hwang from Shriners Children’s Philadelphia gives us a quick overview of scoliosis. Shriners Children’s treats scoliosis at 20 locations across the country including our Montreal, Canada and Mexico City, Mexico locations.

A diagnosis of scoliosis can be stressful for the entire family. Those stressors can include fears about your child's future and insecurity about making the right decisions. Be reassured that if your child is diagnosed with scoliosis, you'll have a Shriners Children's care team to guide you. Your child’s surgeons, physical and occupational therapists, and other care providers understand the concerns of children and parents navigating this journey.

We’ve seen children with scoliosis successfully progress through childhood, as they become active preschoolers, elementary school gymnasts, and teens confidently socializing with friends and succeeding in sports. Here you can learn more about pediatric scoliosis and the treatment options that are available.

Specific treatments and services may vary by location. Please contact a specific location for more information.

Everyone at Shriners did a really good job at keeping me informed. Knowing all of the details of the procedure was super calming to me.
Rachel, Portland
physician using MAGEC expander tool on patient's back

The MAGEC System for Guided Bone Growth

With surgery, one or two telescoping MAGEC rods are attached to the child's spine. As your child grows, we use a magnet controller outside of their body to lengthen the rods and ultimately straighten their spine. The treatment isn't painful and requires no rehabilitation.

Innovative Treatments

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Scoliosis Specific Exercises

Scoliosis specific exercises offered by physical therapists at Shriners Children’s, aim to correct and slow the progression of a spinal curve, reduce pain and improve posture, breathing and quality of life.

Next Steps

Request an Appointment

Families and caregivers seeking treatment should start by contacting us for an appointment.

Log in to the Patient Portal

Parents and guardians of existing patients can email, request records, schedule appointments and more.

Refer a Patient

Physicians and healthcare providers can request appointments, start transfers or contact us with questions.