Children's Hospital Colorado

Scoliosis Diagnosis

Contact the Spine Program

720-777-6962

Understanding scoliosis

Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine that measures greater than 10 degrees on an X-ray. It can be frightening to learn your child has scoliosis, especially if their spine curvature is severe enough to require surgery. There are two general categories based on the age of diagnosis:

Early onset idiopathic scoliosis: younger than 10 years of age at diagnosis

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: 10 to 18 years of age at diagnosis

Our families discuss their experience with scoliosis

One family shares how they handled the news that their daughter had scoliosis.

Scoliosis overview and treatment options

Our pediatric spine specialists use a variety of different methods to treat scoliosis, including monitoring, bracing and when necessary, surgery. Scoliosis surgery can reduce spine curvature significantly, while also improving shoulder imbalance, shoulder blade prominence, rib hump and waist balance.

Scoliosis signs and symptoms introduction

Here, you can learn about the signs and symptoms of scoliosis, as well as causes and treatments.

Scoliosis curvature assessment

Our specialists determine whether a child would benefit from scoliosis surgery based on the degree of the child's spine curvature and the amount of growth the child has remaining.

Understanding scoliosis treatment options

Mark Erickson, MD, Medical Director of our Spine Program, explains the different treatment options for scoliosis.

"It's extremely scary going through the beginning, but it's amazing how strong our daughters can be."
Debbie, Jessica's mom

Additional scoliosis resources

Partnership with the University of Colorado School of Medicine

Children's Hospital Colorado partners with the University of Colorado School of Medicine, where many of our physicians and care providers serve as faculty.