The Orthopaedic Research Center (ORC), located on the UCLA Westwood campus, was constructed in 2007. The five-story, 95,000-square-foot facility is another result of the cooperative effort with UCLA.
Your child deserves the best possible care for scoliosis. At Luskin Orthopedic Institute for Children (LuskinOIC), we combine the power of cutting-edge technology with world-class expertise in pediatric scoliosis. Whether your child’s scoliosis is mild, moderate, or severe, you can count on LuskinOIC as the scoliosis experts to provide award-winning care that’s tailored to your child’s specific needs.
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It’s normal to have a slight curve in your spine. But with scoliosis, there’s a more pronounced “sideways” curve in the spine — like an “S” or “C” shape. Scoliosis can appear when a child is young, but it’s most likely to occur between the ages of 10 and the early teens.
Children with scoliosis don’t always display the same symptoms. Here are a few symptoms you can look for at home:
- One shoulder blade juts out more than the other
- Ribs stick out more prominently on one side
- Tilted or uneven shoulders, which may make clothing appear crooked
- Uneven waistline or hip bone, which can make pant legs appear uneven
- Head doesn’t appear centered with the rest of the body
It’s normal to have a slight curve in your spine. But with scoliosis, there’s a more pronounced “sideways” curve in the spine — like an “S” or “C” shape. Scoliosis can appear when a child is young, but it’s most likely to occur between the ages of 10 and the early teens.
Children with scoliosis don’t always display the same symptoms. Here are a few symptoms you can look for at home:
- One shoulder blade juts out more than the other
- Ribs stick out more prominently on one side
- Tilted or uneven shoulders, which may make clothing appear crooked
- Uneven waistline or hip bone, which can make pant legs appear uneven
- Head doesn’t appear centered with the rest of the body
Scoliosis is measured by the degree of curvature in your child’s spine. A curve higher than 10 degrees is typically considered a sign of scoliosis. The less severe the curve, the less likely it is that your child will need treatment.
The good news is pediatric scoliosis responds well to treatment. It all starts with a correct diagnosis and a treatment plan that’s tailored to your child’s unique needs. More severe cases may require treatment like bracing or surgery to prevent your child from developing issues with breathing or heart function.
The 3 main scoliosis treatment options are:
- Monitoring. In milder cases, we may simply monitor the spine to make sure the curve doesn’t worsen. As children grow, the severity of their scoliosis can change. If the curve increases, treatment may become necessary. If your child’s spinal curve is less than 25 degrees, we may recommend appointments every 6 to 12 months to monitor the spine and schedule follow-up X-rays.
- Bracing. Bracing is often used to treat children and teens whose scoliosis is between 25 and 45 degrees. Bracing may not correct the curve in your child’s spine, but can stop the curve from getting worse. Our custom-designed braces allow as much movement, comfort, and flexibility as possible. We also offer an innovative bracing treatment for younger patients called a Mehta cast.
- Surgery. If your child’s spinal curvature is 45 degrees or more, or if bracing doesn’t help, we may recommend surgery. Unlike monitoring and bracing, scoliosis surgery — called spinal fusion — can correct the curve and prevent it from returning or worsening. Your child’s surgeon will realign the curve, then fuse the section of straightened vertebrae. Once fused, that part of the spine will no longer grow. The fused vertebrae will heal together as if they are one bone. Our surgeons are highly skilled in complex procedures, including:some text
- Anterior, posterior, and interbody spinal fusion
- Cervical spine surgery
- Growing rods (MAGEC)
- Lumbar spine surgery
- Titanium rib procedure (VEPTR)
Other treatment options for young patients include:
- Casting. Children under the age of 3 may undergo serial casting to correct scoliosis. A special traction table is used when applying a cast. Casts are changed every 3-4 months.
- Growth-Friendly Spinal Instrumentation. Young patients with large or progressive curves may require an implant that controls the curve, while still allowing the spine to grow. We use magnetically-controlled growing rods (MAGEC rods) to lengthen the spine without general anesthesia.
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Setting the standard in treating Hemohilia
At LuskinOIC’s Orthopaedic Hemophilia Treatment Center (OHTC), we set the standard in treating hemophilia joint and limb issues. In 1970, OHTC was designated by the World Federation of Hemophilia as one of the first four International Hemophilia Training Centers.
We’ve consistently been pioneers for our patients: we were the first comprehensive care center on the West Coast, we performed the first successful hip replacement surgery in a patient with hemophilia, and through clinical trials we have been providing the newest treatments available.
In addition to treatment, we conduct groundbreaking research, provide innovative and personalized physical therapy, and offer genetic counseling for patients and their families.
Why LuskinOIC for Scoliosis?
The LuskinOIC Pediatric Scoliosis Center is led by one of the country’s top orthopedic surgeons, Dr. Anthony Scaduto. He has received numerous awards for his work in the field of pediatric orthopedics and spinal deformity surgery, and both he and his expert team are renowned for their success in treating pediatric scoliosis.
Our researchers are also advancing the treatment of scoliosis. At the JVL Research Center at LuskinOIC, our biomechanical engineers and pediatric orthopedic surgeons collaborate regularly to address clinical and surgical problems in the lab. The research projects focusing on scoliosis and related surgeries have been published in major international journals.
Our Approach
LuskinOIC’s Scoliosis Center has the expertise and leading-edge technology to diagnose, manage, and treat your child’s scoliosis—whether the curve is mild and just needs monitoring, or severe enough that surgery is the best option.
Our dedicated team is ready to provide:
- Diagnostic testing including low-radiation X-rays and 3D imaging software
- Growth-friendly treatment for young patients with scoliosis
- Ongoing monitoring for mild curves
- Bracing for moderate curves
- Surgery for severe curves
- Follow-up care during and after recovery
- Access to physical therapy
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We provide different type of medical services.
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Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors
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Congenital Limb Disorders
Skeletal Dysplasia & Dwarfism
Scoliosis
Rehabilitation Center
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Hand and Microsurgery
Craniofacial and Cleft Palate
Connective Tissue Disorders
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Physicians: Make a Referral to LuskinOIC Pediatric Scoliosis Center
Your patients deserve the highest quality care for pediatric scoliosis. When you make a referral to LuskinOIC, you can be sure your patient will receive award-winning, comprehensive scoliosis care that’s tailored to their specific needs.
We specialize in diagnosing, managing, and treating all types of scoliosis: idiopathic, congenital and neuromuscular. Our specialists will ensure the best possible outcome whether the curve is mild and just needs monitoring, or severe enough that surgery is the best option. When scoliosis is treated correctly, it should not affect a child’s ability to lead a normal life.
The LuskinOIC Pediatric Scoliosis Center is equipped with best-in-class technology, including a low-radiation X-ray system designed for diagnosing and monitoring scoliosis in growing kids. This technology, combined with 3D imaging software, helps us diagnose, monitor, and plan the best course of treatment for each child.
Referring Physicians for LuskinOIC Pediatric Scoliosis Center: (213) 741-8376
Medical Professional's Help Line: (213) 741-8325
Fax Referrals: (213) 741-8338
Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday-Friday