Orthopaedic Hospital | Rehabilitation: Scoliosis Clinic

When there is an abnormal side-to-side curve in the spinal column it is called scoliosis. Most cases of scoliosis are idiopathic, meaning that there is no known cause for the disorder and it typically affects more females than males. Children with a family history of spinal curavature are at greater risk for scoliosis.

Children born with abnormalities of formation or segmentation of the spinal elements have what is called congenital scoliosis. Congenital scoliosis affects about 20% of the population that is the result of abnormal malformations of the vertebral. By part of one or more vertebrae being abnormally formed, the spine begins to take an abnormal curvature.

X-ray of a scoliosis patient

Other children have scoliosis due to a variety of neurologic or muscular diseases.

Untreated, scoliosis can cause subsequent deformity in the ribs, internal organ, and a change in body shape. Unless parents seek earlier evaluation, children are usually screened for this scoliosis through school screening programs. The scoliosis screening can determine if the child has a curve in their spine and the degree of the curvature. Once screened, an orthopaedic spine specialist can provide treatment options to correct the degree of the curvature and stop the progression of the curve.

Treatment and Rehabilitation

At the Scoliosis Clinic at the Orthopaedic Hospital Outpatient Medical Center treatment options are provided based on the spinal maturity of the patient, the degree and extent of the curavature, the severity and location of the curve and the potential for progression of the curvature.

Scoliosis treatment ranges from observation and orthopaedic bracing to in some cases surgery. The orthopaedic surgeon will discuss the options and the appropriate treatment with the patient and their family.

Scoliosis Physicians:

Richard Bowen, M.D.
Anthony Scaduto, M.D.

More Treatments & Services

Insurance
All types of insurance are accepted, including CCS, Medi-Cal, HMO, and PPO.

FAX Physician Referrals to:
Children's orthopaedic referrals and authorizations may be faxed to the Orthopaedic Hospital Medical Group at: (213) 741-8311.

Appointments
For assistance in scheduling an appointment with an Orthopaedic Hospital Medical Group children's hand and wrist specialist, please call the Orthopaedic Hospital Physician Referral Service, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at: (213) 741-8330.

Additional Information
For more information regarding the Scoliosis Clinic at the Orthopaedic Hospital Outpatient Medical Center, please call the Marketing and Business Development Department at: (213) 742-6509 or, click here to email us.

Orthopaedic Hospital
2400 South Flower Street
Los Angeles, California 90007
(213) 742-1000

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