Patient Care
Urgent CareSave My Spot
Save your spot online to reduce wait time
Featured Specialties
Ways to Give
Impact
Events
For Medical Professionals
Resources
Refer a Patient
Medical Professional's Help Line: (213) 742-1000
Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday-Friday
Get Involved
Open Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 4 PM
Walk-ins welcome.No appointment needed. Save your spot online to reduce wait time.
For emergencies, call 911 and go to the ER.
June 4, 2025
Spinal conditions like pediatric scoliosis can sound scary at first, but this common diagnosis is treatable, whether it develops in infancy or later in adolescence. But what exactly is scoliosis, and how is it managed?
To start, scoliosis is a medical condition defined by a sideways curve of the spine, typically in a “C” or “S” shape. Nearly three percent of the US population has been diagnosed with scoliosis at some point, and it is more commonly found in girls than boys. When diagnosed and treated correctly, however, a child is able to lead a healthier, freer life.
Scoliosis can be hereditary and show up in infancy, or develop after puberty as growth spurts occur. It tends to run in families and despite common myths, is not caused by poor posture or heavy backpacks. A slight curve of the spine may be normal, but an official diagnosis of scoliosis is more noticeable, with mild cases causing discomfort or an uneven presentation and severe cases affecting the lungs and heart.
A scoliosis diagnosis typically occurs during preteen and teen years and each child may have their own unique combination of symptoms. Common signs to look for include:
A treatment plan can be established after determining the curvature of your child’s spine. While some curvature can be expected, a curve higher than 10 degrees would be considered scoliosis and would require treatment or monitoring.
Low Severity: Monitoring.
In milder cases, your child might just need to have the curvature monitored to make sure it doesn’t worsen. The curve may change as children grow, but if it remains less than a 25 degree curve, and doesn’t affect quality of life, a follow-up appointment every six to 12 months would provide enough monitoring.
More Concern: Bracing.
When a curve is between 25 to 45 degrees, bracing can stop the curve from getting worse. Although this treatment doesn’t typically correct the curve, it can provide comfort and ease of movement. Here at LuskinOIC our custom-designed braces allow for comfortable movement and flexibility.
Young Children: Casting or MAGEC.
Treatment options for children under age three can include casting, during which a special traction table is used when applying a cast that’s changed every three to four months. Another innovative procedure we offer includes the use of magnetically controlled growing rods (MAGEC rods) which are implanted to control the curvature while allowing the spine to grow.
Surgery is not always required, but if the spinal curve is 45 degrees or more and bracing doesn’t provide relief, surgery may be recommended. This type of surgery is called a spinal fusion and can both correct the curve as well as prevent it from returning. During this process, a trained surgeon will realign the curve then fuse together the section of straightened vertebrae which will heal together as one bone.
This is a surgery we offer at LuskinOIC, and our surgeons are highly skilled in complex procedures including:
The LuskinOIC Pediatric Scoliosis Center is led by one of the country’s top orthopedic surgeons, Dr. Anthony Scaduto, a recipient of numerous awards for his work in the field of pediatric orthopaedics and spinal deformity surgery.
Our team of experts use leading-edge technology to diagnose, manage, and treat your child’s scoliosis every step of the healing journey, offering services such as:
The journey through a scoliosis diagnosis can feel overwhelming for families, but with the right care team and early intervention, children with scoliosis can lead active, fulfilling lives. Our commitment extends beyond treatment to supporting your family every step of the way, ensuring your child not only receives world-class medical care but also maintains the confidence and independence to pursue their dreams, whether that’s playing sports, participating in school activities, or simply enjoying childhood without limitations.
Join the LuskinOIC Newsletter for news, updates, stories, and more!
Knowing When to Seek Care for Your Child: A Guide from LuskinOIC
As a parent, your top priority is keeping your child safe and healthy. But when your child is sick or injured, it can be hard to know what level of care they need. Should you call your pediatrician, visit urgent care, or head straight to the emergency department?
For non-emergencies, your child’s pediatrician or a pediatric urgent care center is often the best place to start. If your child’s doctor isn’t available—such as during evenings or weekends—urgent care can provide fast, effective treatment. Contact your pediatrician or visit urgent care if your child has:
You may also have access to virtual urgent care for non-emergency issues, allowing your child to be seen by a provider from home. Check if pediatric virtual urgent care services are available in your area.
If your child is seriously injured or ill—especially if the condition may be life-threatening or needs immediate attention—take them to the emergency department (ED). Seek emergency care if your child:
Your child’s health matters. When in doubt, trust your instincts—and don’t hesitate to seek care. LuskinOIC is here to support your family with trusted pediatric expertise every step of the way.