Pediatric Spine Care

NEW! Need quick orthopedic care for your child? You can now schedule a same-day or next-day visit online.

Kids are Special

We know that children and adolescents require special care. Washington University pediatric spine specialists and surgeons provide patients and their family expert, kid-friendly care and for the full range of spinal diseases and conditions of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine.

Only the Best for Your Kids

Our specialists are board-certified and fellowship-trained surgeons. They are known and trusted around the world for the treatment of spinal deformities and problems with the immature growing spine, including early onset scoliosis and severe cases of scoliosis, kyphosis, and spondylolisthesis. This also includes scoliosis related to arthrogryposis, neuromuscular scoliosis related to Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy, cerebral palsy, and myelomeningocele; and spinal deformities related to connective tissue disorders, including Marfan syndrome and neurofibromatosis. 

Because of our innovative research and expertise, many of the surgical and conservative treatments offered around the world have roots in research conducted by Washington University orthopedic spine specialists.

Meet our specialists

Treatment Approach

From the very first appointment, to conservative treatment and/or post-operative follow-up, each patient’s journey is unique. All patients and families receive individualized, comprehensive treatment plans and are guided step-by-step through the process. 

Treatment can include: 

• Nonoperative care, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, medication, injections and other nonoperative treatments.
• Surgical care, including minimally-invasive surgery and/or traditional surgery.

Common Conditions

• Scoliosis (abnormal curvature)
• Kyphosis (abnormal curvature)
• Lordosis (abnormal curvature)
• Juvenile ankylosing spondylitis (a type of arthritis)
• Spondylolysis/pars defect (stress fracture)
• Spondylolisthesis (stress fracture/slippage)

Common Procedures 

• MAGEC Grow Rod Procedure
• Shilla Procedure
• Spinal Fusion
• Vertebral Body Stapling 
• Vertebral Body Tethering