Children may experience several types of pediatric spinal deformity, including scoliosis, kyphosis and spondylolisthesis. Scoliosis and kyphosis involve an abnormal curvature of the spine. Spondylolisthesis refers to a displaced vertebra. If your child has a spinal deformity, you should get a medical evaluation as soon as possible.

Pediatric Spinal Deformity: What You Need to Know

• Back problems aren’t limited to adults. Children can experience back pain due to a pediatric spinal deformity.
• Common symptoms of a pediatric spinal deformity include lower back pain, walking with a “waddle” or the emergence of a “humpback.” Children as young as 6 can experience a displaced vertebra — sometimes without pain.
• Pediatric spinal deformities may respond to treatment better if caught earlier in life.
• Many pediatric spinal deformities can be treated conservatively, with physical therapy or bracing. When surgery is required, it’s important to choose a highly experienced pediatric orthopaedic surgeon.

Why Choose Johns Hopkins for treatment of pediatric spinal deformity?