Pediatric Scoliosis & Spine Care
- About Us
- Our Care
- What to Expect
Trusted Expertise in Spinal Care for Kids & Teens
When your child has scoliosis (spine curvature) or another spinal condition, you want answers, options and most importantly, hope. 91大神 Children鈥檚 orthopedic spine specialists listen to your needs and goals, and help you make the best decisions for your child and family. 奥别鈥檙别 experts in not only correcting spine curvatures 鈥 we give kids the strength and resilience to soar.听
Our legacy of excellence spans decades, with spine specialists treating more than 5,000 kids every year. 奥别鈥檙别 part of recognized, top-ranked pediatric orthopedic centers in Delaware and Florida. We have special expertise in caring for idiopathic scoliosis and complex and rare spinal conditions, including cervical (neck area) problems, neuromuscular scoliosis, spondylolisthesis, and more. Our team researches and pioneers nonsurgical and surgical spine treatments, and offers a level of care not found everywhere, like motion preserving and growth friendly options.听
Families come here because we鈥檙e innovators. We lead the way, improving spine care, and sharing our expertise with peers. We teach tomorrow鈥檚 orthopedic spine specialists and set the standard of care for kids everywhere. In fact,听other surgeons routinely visit our center to learn how to advance care in their region.
Beyond clinical expertise, we鈥檙e simply compassionate professionals who know how spine conditions are unique to every child. We care for your whole child, and family. This means supporting both physical health and emotional well-being today, and as your child grows.
Find Scoliosis & Spine Care at 91大神
We have many pediatric scoliosis and spine specialists and locations 鈥 find the care closest to you.
Two Leading Pediatric Orthopedic Centers
91大神 provides advanced care for newborns, children, teens, and young adults with the full range of orthopedic conditions, including complex spine disorders, neuromuscular conditions, sports injuries, and rare disorders affecting bone growth. Learn more about our extensive care and research.
When surgery day finally came, I was very excited! This surgery ended up being the best decision I have ever made.鈥
鈥淚t鈥檚 wonderful to be taken care of as a 91大神 patient. I would encourage anyone to trust and be a part of the care they give.鈥
鈥淓very visit we are well informed and well aware of the treatment plans. Dr. Lovejoy and his team are an amazing group of specialists.鈥
鈥淚 don鈥檛 know where Alex would be without Dr. Loveless. We really got lucky when we found 91大神.鈥
鈥淲ith the help of Dr. Shah and 91大神 Children鈥檚, Natalie overcame her scoliosis and continues to live her best life.鈥
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Florida鈥檚 Top-Ranked Orthopedic Spine Care for Kids
Our Florida spine specialists are national leaders in nonoperative scoliosis and spine care. We see many kids with highly complex spine conditions. We provide everything you need to make the best possible care decisions.
Top 5
National U.S. News & World Report ranking (2024-2025)
3,000+
Kids treated for spine conditions each year
5
Doctors on our team with scoliosis expertise in Florida
奥别鈥檙别 pioneers in nonoperative spine care. 奥别鈥檙别 highly skilled in several innovative bracing and casting techniques.
When spine surgery is needed, our orthopedic spine surgeons use minimally invasive methods when possible, for a faster recovery.
We offer advanced EOS imaging with low dose radiation and 3D modeling. This means safer long-term monitoring and more precise diagnosis and treatment planning.
91大神 is researching scoliosis and spinal conditions in children, developing treatments that help kids thrive.听
91大神 Spine & Scoliosis Program in Florida
The 91大神 Spine & Scoliosis Program in Florida is made up of pediatric spine specialists who care for the full range of spine conditions in children. Here, your family gets the highest level of care, and all the services your child needs, in one place.听
With a pediatric orthopedics program ranked among the best by U.S. News & World Report (2024-2025), we鈥檙e dedicated to improving the lives of children through active research and clinical trials. We share what we know, so that kids everywhere can benefit from our expertise.听
We provide an array of innovative scoliosis and spine services, including nonsurgical treatments and complex spine surgery, at 91大神 Children鈥檚 Hospital, Florida in Orlando and 91大神 Children鈥檚 Health locations in Jacksonville and Pensacola. We also offer convenient follow-up appointments throughout the state, as well as online video visits for your convenience.
Our Leadership
John F. Lovejoy III, MD
Chair of Orthopedic and Sports Medicine
Orlando, Florida
Dr. Lovejoy serves as the Chair of Orthopedic Education for the University of Central Florida College of Medicine where he is a professor of Orthopedic Surgery. In addition, he serves as faculty for the HCA Florida Ocala Hospital Orthopedic Residency program and is the Fellowship Director for 91大神 Orthopedic Fellowship program in Orlando. He is actively in engaged in several key areas of research including spinal deformity, sports medicine, and trauma. He has published multiple articles, authored several book chapters, and has served as a reviewer for several orthopedic journals.听
Meet Our Pediatric Scoliosis & Spine Team in Florida <<NEED LIST
Our specialists are at the forefront of their fields. They work tirelessly to improve the quality of life for children and teens with spine conditions.
Delaware鈥檚 Top-Ranked Orthopedic Spine Care for Kids
In Delaware Valley, we have one of the oldest and most respected pediatric orthopedic programs in the country. We see more kids with complex spinal conditions than nearly anyone else.听
Top 10
National U.S. News & World Report ranking (2024-2025)
5,000+
Kids treated for spine conditions each year
5
Doctors on our team with scoliosis expertise
奥别鈥檙别 innovators in nonoperative spine care. In fact, we invented the customizable Wilmington brace that鈥檚 widely used across the country.听
Our orthopedic spine surgeons use minimally invasive methods when possible. 奥别鈥檙别 one of a few hospitals nationwide to use video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) anterior spine fusion and vertebral body tethering (VBT).
Our team comprises the leadership of听national organizations that set the standard of care, like , , and the .听
奥别鈥檙别 experts in managing pain, scars and fears. We use plastic surgery techniques that promote healing, recovery, and self-esteem.
91大神 Spine & Scoliosis Center in the Delaware Valley
The Spine & Scoliosis Center in the Delaware Valley is led by pediatric specialists who have devoted their entire careers to treating spine conditions in children. Our team regularly cares for the most rare and complex spine disorders. When you come here, you can trust you鈥檙e getting deep expertise and experience.听
As a center of excellence ranked in the top 10 nationally by U.S. News & World Report (2024-2025), we鈥檙e constantly researching and seeking the best, most effective and safe treatments for children. We share what we know, helping kids everywhere get the best possible care.
We developed and popularized enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols and advanced pain management听without extensive use of opioids, which could lead to addiction and misuse of these medications in the future. This contemporary approach to pain management leads to faster recoveries, less side effects, and better patient satisfaction than the older approach. Parents love our听opioid avoidance methods听when treating their children.
We provide an array of innovative nonsurgical and surgical spine treatments at 91大神 Children鈥檚 Hospital, Delaware in Wilmington and 91大神 Children鈥檚 Health locations throughout the Delaware Valley and Greater Philadelphia region.听We also offer follow-up online video visits for your convenience.
Our Leadership
Suken A. Shah, MD
Shands/MacEwen Chair of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Division Chief of the 91大神 Spine and Scoliosis Center
Dr. Shah serves as Professor of Orthopedic Surgery and Pediatrics at Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University. As a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at 91大神 Children鈥檚 Hospital, Delaware for more than 20 years, he is an innovator, researcher, and key opinion leader in the field of spinal deformity surgery,听with more than 275 research publications, 11,000 citations, 35 book chapters, and several patents.
Dr. Shah also serves as President of the Scoliosis Research Society, President of Setting Scoliosis Straight Foundation, and is a member of the Medical and Scientific Board of the National Spine Health Foundation.听
Meet Our Pediatric Scoliosis & Spine Team in Delaware Valley
Our specialists are at the forefront of their fields. They work tirelessly to improve the quality of life for children and teens with spine conditions.
Top-Ranked Orthopedic Spine Care for Kids
91大神 has one of the oldest and most respected pediatric orthopedic programs in the country. We see more kids with complex spinal conditions than nearly anyone else.
Top 2
Two top ranked orthopedics programs by U.S. News & World Report (2024-2025)
5,000+
Kids treated for spine conditions each year
5
Doctors on our team with scoliosis expertise
奥别鈥檙别 innovators in nonoperative spine care. In fact, we invented the customizable Wilmington brace that鈥檚 widely used across the country.
Our orthopedic spine surgeons use minimally invasive methods when possible. Our hosptial in Delaware is one of a few nationwide to use video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) anterior spine fusion and听vertebral body tethering (VBT).
奥别鈥檙别 researching scoliosis and spinal conditions in children, developing treatments and sharing what we know so kids everywhere can benefit.
奥别鈥檙别 experts in managing pain, scars, and fears. We use plastic surgery techniques that promote healing, recovery and self-esteem.
91大神 Spine & Scoliosis Care Near You
91大神 provides expert scoliosis and spine care and surgery for kids in Delaware Valley and Florida. In both regions, our orthopedics care is top ranked by U.S. News & World Report (2024-2025). As a team, we鈥檙e constantly researching and seeking the best, most effective and safe treatments for children. We share our expertise so that kids everywhere can benefit.
Our Spine & Scoliosis Center in the Delaware Valley is led by pediatric specialists who have devoted their entire careers to treating spine conditions in children. We provide an array of innovative nonsurgical and surgical spine care, at 91大神 Children鈥檚 Hospital, Delaware in Wilmington and 91大神 Children鈥檚 Health locations throughout the Delaware Valley and Greater Philadelphia region.听
In Florida, our Scoliosis & Spine Program is nationally recognized. We provide advanced nonsurgical treatments and spine surgery, at 91大神 Children鈥檚 Hospital, Florida听in Orlando and 91大神 Children鈥檚 Health locations in Jacksonville and Pensacola.听
We also offer follow-up online video visits for your convenience.
Our Leadership
Suken A. Shah, MD
Shands/MacEwen Chair of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Division Chief of the 91大神 Spine and Scoliosis Center
Dr. Shah serves as Professor of Orthopedic Surgery and Pediatrics at Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University. As a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at 91大神 Children鈥檚 Hospital, Delaware for more than 20 years, he is an innovator, researcher, and key opinion leader in the field of spinal deformity surgery,听with more than 275 research publications, 11,000 citations, 35 book chapters, and several patents.
Dr. Shah also serves as President of the Scoliosis Research Society, President of Setting Scoliosis Straight Foundation, and is a member of the Medical and Scientific Board of the National Spine Health Foundation.听
John F. Lovejoy III, MD
Chair of Orthopedic and Sports Medicine
Orlando, Florida
Dr. Lovejoy serves as the Chair of Orthopedic Education for the University of Central Florida College of Medicine where he is a professor of Orthopedic Surgery. In addition, he serves as faculty for the HCA Florida Ocala Hospital Orthopedic Residency program and is the Fellowship Director for 91大神 Orthopedic Fellowship program in Orlando. He is actively in engaged in several key areas of research including spinal deformity, sports medicine, and trauma. He has published multiple articles, authored several book chapters, and has served as a reviewer for several orthopedic journals.听
Meet Our 91大神 Pediatric Scoliosis & Spine Team <<ADD FL LIST WHEN RECEIVED
Our specialists are at the forefront of their fields. They work tirelessly to improve the quality of life for children and teens with spine conditions.
Programs & Services
91大神 spine specialists know that spinal conditions can affect every child differently. Some kids may have visible curves that affect their self-image, while others may have physical limitations that impact daily activities.
We offer complete care, from nonoperative spine treatments to the most advanced, minimally invasive spine surgery available. We personalize treatment plans to your child鈥檚 unique condition and your family鈥檚 goals. We give you all the options and information you need to make the best care decisions for your child.听
Highlights of our care include:
- Innovative spine surgery,听like robotic-guided navigation, minimally invasive approaches and the latest techniques like VBT, magnetic expansion control growing rods, and complex reconstruction.
- The safest spine surgery protocols to prevent infection, neurologic problems, blood transfusion, and other complications听before听they happen so you can be assured of the best outcomes.
- Nonsurgical orthopedic treatments, including innovative spine bracing, spine-specific physical therapy, and more.
- Advanced imaging, including state-of-the-art low dose, 3D EOS imaging, CT, and MRI.
- Perinatal and fetal diagnosis and treatment planning before your child is born.
- Genetic testing if needed to identify underlying causes of congenital (present at birth) limb differences.
- Gait and motion analysis testing in Delaware, providing the gold standard for the most precise diagnostics, surgical planning, and orthotics/prosthetics design.
- Collaboration with experts with specialized expertise in adolescent scoliosis, early onset scoliosis, skeletal dysplasia, neuromuscular scoliosis, sports injuries, and more.
- Full array of services from nutrition counseling to child psychology, to orthotics, and prosthetics teams on-site at our children鈥檚 hospitals.听
- Support services from a whole team for coping, resources, financial assistance, and more.听
- Ronald McDonald Houses nearby for budget-friendly family lodging.听
- Services for international families, including assistance with planning and travel, language and cultural support, and more.听
Conditions & Treatments
We see many types of scoliosis and spinal conditions 鈥 far too many to list here. The conditions we treat vary depending on the location and providers selected. Don鈥檛 see a condition listed? Call us.
Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Cerebral Palsy
Cervical Spine Conditions
Congenital Scoliosis
Early Onset Scoliosis
Hemivertebrae
Kyphosis
Neuromuscular Scoliosis
Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Scoliosis
Skeletal Dysplasia
Spine Fractures
Spine Tumors
Spondylolisthesis
Sports Injuries
Syndromic Scoliosis
Related Specialties & Programs
Assistive Technology
Gait & Motion Analysis Laboratory
Genetics
Neuro-Orthopedic Care
Nonoperative Orthopedic Care
Orthopedic Center, Delaware Valley
Orthopedic Center, Florida
Orthotics
Pain Management
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Prosthetics
Radiology (Medical Imaging)
Skeletal Dysplasia Program
Spine Surgery
Care for International Families
Find out how the 91大神 International Medicine Program helps children 鈥 no matter where they live 鈥 have a healthier and happier future. We鈥檝e cared for hundreds of patients from around the world, in nearly every pediatric specialty. You can count on our expert care and reliable interpreter services. We can assist with housing, transportation and other services too.
Care That Goes Beyond Medicine
At 91大神, our care for children and families goes well beyond medicine. We offer an array of support services and programs aimed at building strength physically, mentally, emotionally and socially.听We help your whole family from the start and stay with you throughout the journey.
Care for International Families
Families from across the globe choose听91大神 Children鈥檚 Hospital, Delaware听for care and surgery not available at home. Our team understands your unique needs and works hard to remove barriers so your child can get the right care, right here.
We help with everything, from connecting you to local accommodations, places of worship and interpretation services, to coordinating follow-up care in your own country. We partner with your family and providers to provide the best possible outcomes, no matter where you call home.
Care That Goes Beyond Medicine
At 91大神, our care for children and families goes well beyond medicine. We offer an array of support services and programs aimed at building strength physically, mentally, emotionally and socially.听We help your whole family from the start and stay with you throughout the journey.
Care for International Families
Find out how the 91大神 International Medicine Program helps children 鈥 no matter where they live 鈥 have a healthier and happier future. We鈥檝e cared for hundreds of patients from around the world, in nearly every pediatric specialty. You can count on our expert care and reliable interpreter services. We can assist with housing, transportation and other services too.
Care That Goes Beyond Medicine
When your family comes to 91大神, you鈥檙e well cared for. We want you to understand your child鈥檚 condition and how to help them stay healthy and succeed. We help you find community resources for your family. We also offer many supportive services, like social work, lodging at nearby Ronald McDonald Houses, creative therapies, pet therapy, Child Life programs and much more.
Convenient Follow-Up Appointments by Video
We offer follow-up appointments through scheduled, live video visits. You can avoid waiting rooms and save travel time. Ask your doctor if this is an option for your family.
Understanding Spine Treatments & Therapies for Kids
Knowing scoliosis and spine treatment options can help you feel confident in your child鈥檚 care journey. 91大神 spine specialists carefully evaluate your child鈥檚 condition and recommend the most effective, least invasive treatment.听
It鈥檚 important to know that spine surgery isn鈥檛 always the answer, and your child may need different treatments as they grow. While our team will explain everything to your family, we put together some general information for you here.听
We offer many highly advanced and innovative nonsurgical spine treatments. You child鈥檚 care may include:
Careful watching may be the first step we take in your child鈥檚 spine care, especially with mild spine problems.听
During this phase we monitor your child鈥檚 condition and assess progressing symptoms. This will help us minimize unneeded treatment and catch any changes early, when they鈥檙e most treatable. You can expect us to:
- Schedule regular check-ups, typically every 4-6 months.
- Measure any changes with low-dose X-ray imaging.
- Track your child鈥檚 physical development and growth.
- Assess movement, balance, and posture
- Address new symptoms or concerns.
- Plan treatments as needed.
Bracing may be the only treatment needed for certain pediatric spine conditions. Modern braces are designed for comfort and effectiveness.听
There are many different brace types. The spine brace we choose is based on a child鈥檚 condition, its severity and part of the spine affected. We also consider the child鈥檚 age and lifestyle, bone maturity, remaining growth, and family preferences.听
We use the latest bracing types, including custom-molded thoracolumbosacral orthosis (TLSO), Wilmington brace, Providence nighttime brace, Charleston bending brace, Rigo Cheneau style braces, and others. With bracing, you can generally expect:
- Custom fitting and regular adjustments at our onsite orthotics labs.
- Specific wearing schedule (nighttime, part-time, 16-20 hours).
- Regular check-ups to ensure proper fit.
- Support and guidance from the orthotics care team.听
- Clear guidelines for sports and activities.听
We help set your child up for success, providing support and everything they need to adhere to the treatment plan for the best possible results.
Learn more about听, and more specifically the听, from 91大神 KidsHealth庐.
Our spine care includes customized therapies developed by rehabilitation professionals who know how spine conditions affect a growing child. We offer complete spine therapy that includes sessions at our rehab locations and exercises your child can do at home, too. Our treatment approach includes:
- Tailored exercise programs.
- Posture training and awareness.
- Core strengthening.
- Flexibility improvements.
- Pain management techniques.
- Home exercise instruction.
- Activity modifications for daily life and sports.
- Progress monitoring.
For some conditions, we may employ the Schroth method of physical therapy along with bracing. This therapy helps kids with scoliosis and kyphosis improve posture, improve breathing, decrease pain, and keep the curve from getting worse.
Learn more about听听from 91大神 KidsHealth or听find physical therapy services听at 91大神.听
Casting is sometimes used for spine conditions, especially in young children with early onset scoliosis. The process is designed to allow for growth and development. Generally, your child鈥檚 cast:
- Is applied under sedation or light anesthesia.听
- Is custom molded to a child鈥檚 body.
- Requires changing every 2-3 months.
- May have a window to help with expanding lungs.
Our team will help you know how to care for the cast and provide guidance on clothing, bathing and activity.听
When nonsurgical treatments aren鈥檛 enough to correct a spinal condition, surgery may help.听
We offer the full range of surgical techniques for even the most complex conditions. Depending on your child鈥檚 condition and your goals and wishes, we may recommend:听
- Minimally invasive methods with fewer, smaller cuts.听
- Spinal fusion surgery.
- Growing systems for young children.
- Vertebral body tethering.
- Complex spine reconstruction.听
We also offer enhanced recovery programs for kids, which works to improve health and outcomes.听
Learn more about pediatric spine surgery at 91大神.听
Learn More From the Experts
91大神 KidsHealth is the nation鈥檚 leading source for medical information for families. Our orthopedic spine specialists share their expertise, providing content used by children鈥檚 hospitals all over the country. Learn more about: