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Infantile Scoliosis

OrthoHouston

Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon & Scoliosis Specialist located in Sugar Land, TX

If your baby is born with infantile scoliosis — an abnormal curvature of the spine treating their condition early reduces the risk of severe abnormalities developing as they grow. At OrthoHouston in Sugar Land and Katy, Texas, pediatric orthopedic specialists diagnose and treat infantile scoliosis to straighten your baby’s spine and improve musculoskeletal functioning. Call the OrthoHouston office today to learn more or schedule an appointment online.

Infantile Scoliosis Q&A

What is infantile scoliosis?

Infantile scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine, typically affecting babies and toddlers younger than three. The cause isn’t known, but treating infantile scoliosis is the best way to reduce the risk of worse complications.

What are the symptoms of infantile scoliosis?

The symptoms of infantile scoliosis include:

  • Visible spine deformity
  • Prominent rib on one side
  • One shoulder lower than the other
  • One leg longer than the other
  • Protruding shoulder blade
  • Tilted waistline

These symptoms often appear when a baby is about six months old and are more commonly seen in boys than girls.

The causes of infantile scoliosis aren’t known. But a risk factor for developing it includes a family history of the condition.

At the first sign of abnormal spinal curvature, see our Doctors for an evaluation. Your baby’s pediatrician might refer you to them if they notice symptoms of scoliosis during your baby’s wellness checkup.

How does my doctor diagnose infantile scoliosis?

Our Doctors diagnose infantile scoliosis after examining your baby’s spine during a physical exam.

If they notice an abnormal spinal curve, they´ll order X-rays, an MRI, or a neurological exam to determine how severe infantile scoliosis or other spinal irregularities are. The specialists then develop a treatment plan best suited to your child’s needs.

How is infantile scoliosis treated?

The standard treatments for infantile scoliosis include medical monitoring, wearing a brace or cast, and surgery. Your child might not need surgery right away, but if the curvature gets worse over time, surgery could be the best way to correct it.

In some cases, bracing can reduce the need for surgery. But every patient is different. We continue to monitor your baby to determine if they need additional treatment.

Effective infantile scoliosis treatment can reduce your child’s risk of worse problems or the need to avoid intense physical activity as they get older. The Doctors let you know which type of exercise is safe for your child during their stages of treatment.

Schedule an evaluation at OrthoHouston today by phone or online to learn more about infantile scoliosis and how to best treat it.