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Early Onset Scoliosis Center
The Center for Early Onset Scoliosis is led by Michael G. Vitale, MD, Chief of Pediatric Spine and Scoliosis Surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, and the Ana Lucia Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics and Orthopaedic Surgery at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. More than 400 patients under the age of five are seen each year in the Center by Dr. Vitale, Dr. David P. Roye, Jr. and Dr. Benjamin Roye.
While more than 100,000 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with scoliosis each year, most patients are diagnosed between ages 10 and 15 with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. Scoliosis identified at birth or up to the age of eight is rare, and is categorized as Infantile Scoliosis, Juvenile Scoliosis or Early Onset Scoliosis. The cause of Infantile Scoliosis is unknown; however considerable medical research has led to the development of hypotheses that include intrauterine molding, postnatal positioning and genetic influences.
Early Onset Scoliosis (EOS) includes children with Infantile Scoliosis (from birth to three years) and Juvenile Scoliosis (ages three to eight years). Those with the infantile form will generally fall into two groups: those whose curvature disappears with growth and those whose curvature becomes progressive. Infantile Scoliosis occurs more often in boys than in girls. Juvenile Scoliosis is defined as children identified with a 10 to 15 degree curvature up to the age of eight -- these children must be closely observed, as progression of the curve is common.
There are many different causes of EOS, therefore it is critical to perform the appropriate examination and tests. In addition to close observation, a careful neurologic exam, a spinal MRI and a series of X-rays to review if other structural problems exist are needed. Other associated problems may dictate other examinations or consultations including cardiac, pulmonary, or renal function testing.
View our Webcast titled "Avoiding Fusion in Early Onset Scoliosis: Growing Rods and the VEPTR (vertical expanding prosthetic titanium ribs) Treatment option for children suffering from early onset scoliosis."
