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When and Why to Choose a Pediatric Spine Specialist

When and Why to Choose a Pediatric Spine Specialist

by | Jan 14, 2025 | Scoliosis & Spine

Your child may look or act like a miniature version of you. Still, on the inside, crucial differences make specialized pediatric care a must. When it comes to spinal conditions and injuries, children and adolescents need specialists who understand their growing bodies and developmental stage, as well as the needs of their caregivers and families.

Scottish Rite for Children’s spine experts are here to be an essential part of your child’s care team, whether your child has recently been diagnosed with a genetic spine condition or sustained a spinal injury. Since the 1970s, the multidisciplinary spine team at Scottish Rite continues to conduct leading-edge research, with the goal of identifying the seemingly unanswerable questions regarding spinal conditions.

Anatomy and Development of the Spine

The spine is made of small triangular bones called vertebrae. These bones stack one on top of another, creating a tunnel that wraps around and protects the spinal cord. Openings between the vertebrae allow nerves to branch out to the rest of the body. Muscles and bands of tissue called ligaments help support the spine. Between each bone in the spine is a flexible disc that provides shock absorption and aids in flexibility of the spine (facet) joints.

Although the basic anatomy is the same, a child’s spine is not a smaller version of an adult’s. In infants and children, the spine is more flexible, and the bones are softer. Much of the child’s spine is still cartilage which has not yet turned into bone.

These natural differences in the pediatric spine make children more vulnerable to certain spine conditions and injuries and less vulnerable to others. For instance, some spine and spinal cord conditions, such as scoliosis or spina bifida, typically develop early in life or are present from birth. Additionally, although spinal injuries can happen at any age, children are less likely than adults to have a spine injury. Children under 8 years old who do have this type of injury are more likely to have damage to the vertebrae in the neck than older children, teens or adults.

Specialized Training in Spine Conditions and Injuries

Orthopedic specialists are experts in bone, joint and muscle health. A doctor must complete specialized education beyond medical school to be a pediatric orthopedic surgeon. Typically, this includes a five-year supervised program of orthopedic surgery with at least one additional year of fellowship training specific to children.

Spine surgeons are orthopedic doctors who diagnose and treat spine conditions and injuries. Still, not all spine surgeons are experts in treating infants, children or teens. Becoming a pediatric spine surgeon requires additional education and expertise.

 

Benefits of Choosing a Pediatric Spine Specialist

In addition to education related to the spine, pediatric spine specialists have additional training in child development and growth. The spine team at Scottish Rite understands how young patients differ emotionally, mentally and physically depending on age and developmental stage. This unique combination of education and experience allows our pediatric spine specialists to provide outstanding medical care while making patients and their families as comfortable as possible throughout diagnosis, treatment and recovery.

..,.Pediatric orthopedic specialists dedicate all their time to caring for infants, children and teens. Because of this, they can offer a range of treatment options tailored to young patients. Scottish Rite’s spine specialists also stay on the leading edge of research, bringing innovative approaches and procedures to those who need them, including:

 

  • Growing rods, a scoliosis treatment for children under age 10 that minimizes the number of surgeries needed
  • Spinal fusion, a procedure that prevents abnormal spine growth
  • Vertebral body tethering, an implanted anchor and cord system that straightens the spine as children grow
  • Scoliosis bracing, made in-house by Scottish Rite’s orthotics and prosthetics team to provide an individualized experience for each child         
A Team of Specialized Support

Effectively treating spine conditions in infants, children and teens requires a team of experts. Our pediatric spine specialists can easily connect with other pediatric healthcare specialists at Scottish Rite. An interdisciplinary pediatric spine program helps support the whole child throughout treatment and recovery.

Depending on your child’s diagnosis and needs, he or she may receive care from multiple pediatric specialists, such as:

When a child or a teen requires treatment for a spine condition, it can affect the whole family. In addition to expertise in treating children, our pediatric spine specialists can also help connect you to helpful resources. A skilled team of pediatric specialists allows you to focus on caring for your child while providing a safe, comfortable place for your child to heal and grow.

Want to learn how pediatric spine specialists can help your child? Schedule an appointment with a Scottish Rite for Children scoliosis and spine expert.

How Spotting Spondylolysis Early Helps Protect Your Child’s Spine

How Spotting Spondylolysis Early Helps Protect Your Child’s Spine

by | Jan 14, 2025 | Scoliosis & Spine, Sports Medicine

Back pain isn’t an adults-only problem. It also affects children, and spondylolysis — a break in a vertebra — is a common cause.

If your child tells you their low back hurts, especially during physical activity, have a medical provider check it out as quickly as possible. If spondylolysis is present, early diagnosis and treatment can prevent a more serious injury to the vertebra called spondylolisthesis. The sooner your child starts treatment, the sooner they can get back to enjoying an active childhood.

 

Spondylolysis vs. Spondylolisthesis: What’s the Difference?

Spondylolysis is a stress fracture that develops in a vertebra, one of a column of bones that protects the spinal cord. Along the spine, pairs of facet joints help stabilize the vertebrae. A thin piece of vertebra called the pars interarticularis links these joints. Spondylolysis affects this bony connector, most commonly in the vertebrae of the lumbar spine (lower spine).

Without treatment, spondylolysis can lead to spondylolisthesis, which is when the pars interarticularis splits. As a result, the vertebra slips out of position, potentially causing pain and nerve damage.

 

Who’s at Risk for Stress Fractures of the Spine

Repeatedly overstretching the spine stresses the vertebrae, which are especially vulnerable to stress fractures during childhood because they’re still growing. Your child may have a higher risk of spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis if they participate in sports or activities that involve frequently leaning back and moving the lumbar spine, including:

  • Ballet
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Gymnastics
  • Soccer
  • Volleyball
  • Cheerleading
  • Weightlifting
  • Wrestling

 

When Back Pain Is a Red Flag

Sometimes, stress fractures of the vertebrae develop silently, without causing symptoms. In other cases, however, these bone breaks provide clues to their presence. Back pain is the main one.

Spondylolysis in a lumbar vertebra can cause low back pain that feels like a muscle strain. Your child’s discomfort may get worse with activity and improve with rest. Other symptoms of spondylolysis include pain in the legs and buttocks, which may be a sign the pain has spread from the back. Spasms from the stress fracture can cause your child’s hamstrings to tighten.

 

Diagnosing and Treating Spondylolysis

If you notice symptoms of spondylolysis, take your child to their primary care provider, who will ask about medical history and sports participation. The medical provider will also perform a physical exam to look for signs of a stress fracture in the low back and legs. He or she may press on your child’s back to identify tender areas or ask your child to bend backward to see if the movement causes discomfort.

Imaging tests, such as X-rays and CT scans, can show stress fractures in the vertebrae and help your child’s medical provider confirm a spondylolysis diagnosis. MRI scans can show whether a stress fracture has led to tissue damage.

Your child’s primary care provider may refer you to a pediatric orthopedic specialist for further evaluation and treatment. If found early, spondylolysis usually heals with nonsurgical treatment.

Your child may need to take a temporary break from sports that put repetitive stress on the low back to give the fracture time to heal. To help the process, they may need to wear a back brace to limit the spine’s movement.

While the injury heals, your child may take over-the-counter pain-relieving medications to stay comfortable. Working with a physical therapist can also help reduce pain and improve strength and flexibility in the lumbar spine.

Surgery isn’t usually necessary. However, if spondylolysis leads to severe spondylolisthesis, spinal fusion may be the most appropriate treatment. During this operation, a surgeon connects two damaged vertebrae using a bone graft so the vertebrae heal into a single, stable bone.

 

How to Reduce Your Child’s Risk of Spondylolysis

You can help protect your child’s spine and keep him or her on the field or court by encouraging simple steps to reduce the risk of spondylolysis, including:

  • Build strength in the middle. Encourage your child to strengthen his or her core to help support the lower back.
  • Focus on one sport at a time to prevent overuse injuries. Don’t let your child play more than one sport that increases the risk of a spinal stress fracture per season.
  • Play it smart. Ensure your child uses the proper equipment and technique for his or her sport.
  • Rest up. Your child should take at least one day off from practice or training each week.
  • Eat a balanced diet. Maintain a healthy diet with adequate calcium and protein intake. Vitamin D supplementation is especially necessary for those missing key nutrients in their diet.

 

Need an expert who can treat your child’s low back pain? Schedule an appointment with a pediatric orthopedic specialist at Scottish Rite for Children.

Lexie’s Journey of Unbreakable Bonds and Unstoppable Dreams

Lexie’s Journey of Unbreakable Bonds and Unstoppable Dreams

by | Dec 19, 2024 | Rheumatology, Scoliosis & Spine

At Scottish Rite for Children, every patient’s journey is as unique as they are. Each experience, story and moment shared at Scottish Rite creates an unbreakable bond between the patient and their clinical team. It’s not just about delivering world-class care — it’s about being a vital part of offering children hope that extends far beyond treatment.

21-year-old Lexie spent much of her youth receiving care from a multidisciplinary team of experts at Scottish Rite. At age 13, Lexie was diagnosed by an outside provider with oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), a common condition that causes joint swelling, stiffness and limited movement in children. Oligoarticular JIA affects four joints or less, and, for Lexie, her pain was in her left knee.

Lexie came to Scottish Rite at age 16 to see pediatric rheumatologist Julie M. Fuller, M.D., to alleviate her knee pain. After prescribing her the necessary medication, Lexie saw a major improvement to her once debilitating pain.

“My family had just moved to Oklahoma where there were no pediatric rheumatologists in the area,” says Lexie. “Dr. Fuller was highly recommended by other doctors in the area, and the care I received with Dr. Fuller’s team was unmatched.”

As she began preparing to go to college at Oklahoma State University, Lexie’s routine wellness exam resulted in a diagnosis of scoliosis and put a halt to her daily life.

“To be completely honest, this was a terrifying time in my life of not knowing what the next day would hold in regard to my health,” Lexie says. “I had big aspirations of graduating college with honors and applying to law school, but those dreams were threatened. I just decided to put my health in Dr. Sucato’s hands, and that turned out to be one of the best choices I ever made.”

Chief of Staff Daniel J. Sucato, M.D., M.S., prepared Lexie for surgery to correct the curve in her spine. Together, they coordinated the best time to schedule surgery, with an effort to minimize any disruptions to her school year. Though the recovery process was challenging, Lexie shares that her clinical team made an everlasting impact.

“The team was fully transparent with me and walked me through every step of my journey,” Lexie says. “They have prayed with me, learned my story and inspired me in more ways than they could possibly imagine. The people at Scottish Rite genuinely care.”

After her treatment, Lexie is focusing on a new chapter in her life. This December, she will graduate summa cum laude from Oklahoma State University and will begin applying to law schools. She also shined as her university’s homecoming queen this year.

“Being surrounded by such a positive care team that cheered me on throughout my journey was such a blessing,” Lexie says. “There’s not a day that goes by where I don’t think about my time at Scottish Rite. Dr. Sucato’s team not only changed my life, but they gave me the chance to go out and live one.”

Diagnosis to Dedication: How Aaliyah’s Scoliosis Journey Inspires Change

Diagnosis to Dedication: How Aaliyah’s Scoliosis Journey Inspires Change

by | Aug 14, 2024 | Scoliosis & Spine

18-year-old Aaliyah, of Kress, is transforming her personal journey with scoliosis into a source of inspiration for young girls with similar diagnoses. “Scottish Rite means so much to me by helping me find my passion in changing lives,” Aaliyah says. She shares her transformative care she received, hoping to make a scoliosis diagnosis less intimidating to patients.

Aaliyah was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic scoliosis (JIS) after her routine physical at age 9. Her family faced a difficult decision: undergo spinal fusion surgery or risk losing Aaliyah’s ability to walk. Determined to find another way, Aaliyah chose to wear a spinal brace for 22 hours a day over a span of seven years. In 2021, Aaliyah’s back pain progressed, and she started treatment with pediatric orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jaysson T. Brooks. “After that visit, Dr. Brooks changed my life,” Aaliyah says. Instead of recommending surgery, Brooks suggested physical therapy as the best approach for her.

The treatment Aaliyah received at Scottish Rite fueled her passion for scoliosis awareness. Before she met Brooks, she was a member of the nonprofit organization Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FFCLA). FCCLA offers programs, contests, scholarships and opportunities for member to develop skills needed for college and careers. Aaliyah’s experience inspired her project titled “The Journey.” This project explores her personal journey with scoliosis and the impact it had on her and her family’s lives. “The Journey” eventually placed in 5th place at FFCLA’s National Leadership Conference. Top of Form

Now, she is a prominent spokesperson for scoliosis in her community. In 2022, Aaliyah launched a scoliosis research fundraiser titled “The Outreach” for Setting Scoliosis Straight Foundation, a nonprofit devoted to empowering families impacted by scoliosis through education, connection and research. Her efforts caught the attention of mayor Johnny Taylor, who honored her dedication by declaring December 20th as both National Scoliosis Awareness Day and Aaliyah Wallace Day in her hometown.

There is no limit to the success Aaliyah will achieve! Her latest project, “My Testimony,” is a book series featuring characters LeeLee, inspired by Aaliyah, and Lillian as they embark on their journey of overcoming scoliosis. To launch the series, she organized a block party in Kress, with all proceeds going to funding the publication and illustration of the books. “I went from a scared 9-year-old to making a difference and changing lives with my story,” Aaliyah says. “I can’t thank Scottish Rite enough for changing my life!” Now, Aaliyah is attending her first year at Texas Tech University as a Pre-Medicine major. She was a recipient of our Legacy Scholarship, and we cannot be prouder of her!

Share Your Story: Lifelong Commitment to Care

Share Your Story: Lifelong Commitment to Care

by | Aug 5, 2024 | Scoliosis & Spine

13-year-old Lyla and her mom Ashley have more in common than they originally thought. Ashley was diagnosed with scoliosis in 2000 after her mom noticed a spinal curve while she tried on clothes. A chiropractor referred her to Scottish Rite for Children to begin treatment. It was the attentive care and support from chief of staff Daniel J. Sucato, M.D., M.S. and her child life specialist that influenced Ashley’s pursuit for a degree in Child Development and Family Studies from the University of North Texas.

In 2020, Lyla embarked on her own scoliosis journey with Scottish Rite at age 9. With a mother’s eyes, Ashley first noticed Lyla’s shoulder blades were uneven. They visited their primary care physician, who referred them to Scottish Rite. Lyla’s scoliosis was juvenile idiopathic scoliosis, known as the most common type of scoliosis.
The uncertainty of Lyla’s diagnosis disappeared when Ashley and her husband Chad discovered that Sucato would be treating their daughter. “My heart sank because I knew what it meant to have scoliosis,” Ashley says. “However, Dr. Sucato has the kind of heart needed to serve and advance orthopedic care for children.” Lyla’s scoliosis was treated mostly with a back brace for two years. She underwent spinal fusion surgery in 2023 and is now free from back pain!

Research proves that scoliosis has a genetic component and tends to run in families. Children with a family history of scoliosis, like Lyla, are more at risk. This is predominately seen in girls that range from ages 10 to 15.

Ashley and Lyla’s bond is stronger than ever. Lyla is like her mom in many ways, outside of sharing a diagnosis of scoliosis. They are both passionate about helping others, and Lyla is set on going to college to become a child life specialist at Scottish Rite. “Scottish Rite helps children improve their quality of life,” Ashley says. “Most importantly, Scottish Rite creates life-long memories and shows us how we are supposed to love and help others.” Lyla is incredibly active now and enjoys many hobbies like acting, reading, dancing, singing, being with her friends and serving at church! Lyla and Ashley’s diagnosis and care mirror each other, reflecting the need for the accessible expert care Scottish Rite provides.

Standing Tall After Spinal Fusion Surgery

Standing Tall After Spinal Fusion Surgery

by | Jun 27, 2024 | Scoliosis & Spine

Previously published in Rite Up, 2024 – Issue 2.

In January of 2023, Delilah, a 12-year-old from San Antonio, was helping her mother, Angie, clean the house. As Delilah bent over to pick up something off the floor, Angie noticed that her backbone protruded from her back at an abnormal angle. “It caught me off guard,” Angie says. She called her husband into the room and asked Delilah to repeat the movement. He looked at Angie with wide eyes and said, “What was that?”

Delilah’s pediatrician suspected scoliosis and referred the family to an orthopedic physician.

“After taking an X-ray, he gave us the news that her spine was at an 84 degree angle,” Angie says. “Delilah and I had tears in our eyes.” Angie explained that because of the curves magnitude, the physician said that he would feel more comfortable recommending them to Scottish Rite for Children. “We had never heard of Scottish Rite, but it was the best advice and decision we ever made,” Angie says.

At Scottish Rite, pediatric orthopedic surgeon Megan E Johnson, M.D., diagnosed Delilah with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, of which there is no known cause. Because her curve had surpassed the surgical magnitude of 50 degrees, Dr. Johnson recommended posterior spinal fusion, a surgery in which a rod is secured to the vertebrae to straighten the spine and hold the correction of the curve in place.

“Scoliosis progresses more rapidly when kids are undergoing their big growth spurt,” Dr. Johnson says.

“Delilah still had a lot of growth left, so she was at a greater risk of progression.”

Before surgery, Delilah asked thoughtful questions and expressed some worries. “I had a fear of like, what if I wake up during surgery?” she says. “And, what if it doesn’t turn out right, or what if they miss something?” Dr. Johnson marveled at Delilah’s maturity. “For being 11 at the time, Delilah asked great questions, advocated for herself and did her own research,” she says.

In October, the family traveled to Dallas for Delilah’s surgery and stayed at the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, Scottish Rite’s community partner. “They took such good care of my family,” Angie says. “I’m very grateful for that.” After a successful surgery, Delilah’s curve was corrected from 95 to 20 degrees. She also got two inches taller. “Delilah exceeded our expectations,” Dr. Johnson says. “She has been a champ through it all.” Six months later, Angie cannot believe that Delilah had spinal surgery. “It boggles the mind because she’s back to being herself,” she says. “For us, Scottish Rite means hope, that everything is going to be OK.” Delilah agrees. “You can trust Scottish Rite,” she says, “and know that you are in great hands.”

Read the full issue.