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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates: Visitor Guidelines & More

Safety Measures at Riley Children’s Health

We are taking thoughtful steps to ensure our spaces remain safe for patients, parents and caregivers. View safety measures, mask policy and visiting guidelines.

Information on COVID-19

Learn more about COVID-19, information about previously scheduled appointments and what you can do to help protect your child and family. View COVID-19 information.


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IU Health has launched a virtual clinic to offer individuals in Indiana regardless of age free coronavirus (COVID-19) screenings. View screening details.

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Información sobre el COVID-19

Obtenga más información acerca del COVID-19, incluyendo las preguntas más frecuentes y lo que puede hacer para ayudar a protegerse y proteger a su familia. Ver información del COVID-19.


Restricciones para visitantes

Las instalaciones de salud de IU Health han implementado restricciones a los visitantes para ayudar a minimizar la propagación del COVID-19, la gripe y otros virus respiratorios. Ver restricciones para visitantes.


Información sobre citas ambulatorias previamente programadas

Para asegurar la salud y la seguridad de todos nuestros pacientes y empleados durante la pandemia del coronavirus (COVID-19), estamos haciendo ajustes en algunas de nuestras citas ambulatorias. Ver actualizaciones de citas ambulatorias.


Exámenes de coronavirus virtuales gratuitos

IU Health ha lanzado una clínica virtual para ofrecer a las personas en Indiana, independientemente de la edad, evaluaciones virtuales para la detección del coronavirus (COVID-19). Ver detalles de la evaluación.

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Riley Children's Health

Scoliosis in Children

Scoliosis in Children
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As children grow taller their spines may begin to curve in different directions. About one in 100 children will develop scoliosis - a curvature of the spine that is usually painless and oftentimes can simply be monitored throughout childhood. If the curvature becomes more pronounced, the child may require a brace or cast, with the most severe scoliosis cases requiring surgery.

If you have scoliosis, it doesn’t mean you are sick. It just means you might need to have some help – like a growing tree – to straighten out your backbone as you grow taller.

Pediatric Orthopedic doctor
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What Causes Scoliosis

What Causes Scoliosis

Scientists don’t know what causes scoliosis yet, but they know it’s not inherited from parents and it’s more common among girls. While usually painless, many people live their whole lives with mild forms of scoliosis. But much like a young tree that begins to bend sideways, scoliosis that goes untreated can cause problems later.

What are the Symptoms of Scoliosis

The symptoms of scoliosis aren’t always obvious. It’s often diagnosed during a regular checkup, or sometimes parents notice a slight hump in their child’s back when they bend over. Some children are diagnosed with infantile scoliosis during their toddler years. Once scoliosis is identified, it is important to begin monitoring the curvature to ensure it doesn’t worsen.

How is Scoliosis Diagnosed

How is Scoliosis Diagnosed

Doctors at Riley at IU first test for adolescent scoliosis by watching your child’s back as he or she bends over. Doctors look for a rotation of the spine near the rib cage. If they detect an abnormal rotation, physicians take standing X-ray images of your child using EOS imaging, a special 3-D, low-dose radiation system designed for repeated scoliosis monitoring.

Scoliosis Severity

Scoliosis severity is measured by the degrees of the spinal curvature:

  • Mild but young. Younger patients with mild curves are monitored to see if the degree of curvature worsens during their remaining growing years.
  • Moderate curve of 20-40 degrees. These patients still have growth remaining and may benefit from scoliosis bracing to avoid additional curvature or surgery.
  • Severe curve greater than 45-50 degrees. These curvatures are less common but require surgery to correct the abnormality. Scoliosis this severe can progress more rapidly, and if left untreated into adulthood, could limit lung function permanently.

How is Scoliosis Treated

How is Scoliosis Treated

There are several treatments for scoliosis, depending on the age of the patient and the severity of the spinal curve:

  • Bracing. The most common treatment for the majority of scoliosis patients, bracing prevents the spinal curvature from worsening.
  • Casting. Infants with scoliosis who have a high risk of the curve worsening over time may wear a molded cast to help halt or prevent the curve’s progression until the child is old enough to be fitted for a brace or is ready for surgery.
  • Surgery. For the most severe spine curvatures, surgery is the only option to limit or correct the abnormality.

Key Points to Remember

Key Points to Remember

  • Scoliosis is not a disease. It’s a curvature of the spine common among adolescent children but can worsen if left untreated.
  • Surgery is a treatment option only for patients with severe scoliosis who need medical intervention to preserve their lung function.
  • Monitoring scoliosis throughout childhood is important to ensure a treatment opportunity isn’t missed.
  • Physicians can connect your child with another patient who has been through scoliosis treatment to discuss questions and offer support about what to expect.

Support Services & Resources

Support Services & Resources

Riley at IU Health offers a broad range of supportive services to make life better for families who choose us for their children's care.

Learn More About Riley Support Services

Locations

Locations

Locations

In addition to our primary hospital location at the Academic Health Center in Indianapolis, IN, we have convenient locations to better serve our communities throughout the state.

Riley Outpatient Center at IU Health

Pediatric Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
575 Riley Hospital Dr
Indianapolis, IN 46202

317.948.2550

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IU Health North Hospital Medical Office Building

Pediatric Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
11725 N Illinois St
Carmel, IN 46032

317.948.2550

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Departments Treating This Condition

Departments Treating This Condition

  • Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Related Stories

Related Stories

Blog Waylong Web

“Little Hulk” is fearless in his cast

10/21/19 Patient Stories

Two-year-old Waylon wears a “shell” on his back to correct infantile idiopathic scoliosis.

Continue reading
Blog 1 Josslyn Craft

Body cast finally comes off little girl after 18 months

07/25/19 Patient Stories

This 5-year-old with scoliosis can’t wait to take a bath and splash in the pool.

Continue reading

View the Riley Connections Blog

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