Price Transparency
Scoliosis Awareness Month: What is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis Awareness Month: What is Scoliosis?

by | Jun 2, 2025 | Scoliosis & Spine

What is scoliosis?

Scoliosis is not a disease. It is an abnormal curvature of the spine. In addition to the spine curving sideways, it also twists, making the ribs (which are attached to the spine) look uneven. This may cause a prominence or a “bump” on the back. Other signs include a shoulder or hip that looks higher than the other or the chest may appear uneven. Scoliosis is usually a painless condition. Children with scoliosis are no more likely than kids without scoliosis to have back pain.

The diagnosis of scoliosis is confirmed by taking an X‐ray of the spine. If a curve measures more than 10 degrees, it is called scoliosis.

Who has it?

Scoliosis usually occurs in early adolescence and becomes more noticeable during a growth spurt. Approximately 0.5 percent of young people develop scoliosis that requires treatment. Girls have scoliosis eight times more often than boys. Sometimes scoliosis can be found in several family members, for several generations.

Why does it happen?

There are several different types of scoliosis that affect children.

Idiopathic Scoliosis
The most common type of scoliosis is idiopathic, which means the exact cause is not known. Idiopathic scoliosis can occur in infants, toddlers and young children, but the majority of cases occur from age 10 to the time a child is fully grown. Scoliosis tends to run in families. It is not a disease that is caught from someone else like a cold. There is nothing you could have done to prevent it. It is not caused by carrying heavy books, backpacks or purses, slouching, sleeping wrong or from a lack of calcium.

Congenital scoliosis
Congenital means that you are born with the condition. Congenital scoliosis starts at the spine forms very early in pregnancy. Part of one or more of the vertebra does not form completely, or the vertebra does not separate properly. Other abnormalities may also be present such as ribs may be missing or there can be ribs that are fused together. This type of scoliosis can be associated with other health issues including heart and kidney problems.

Neuromuscular scoliosis
Any medical condition that affects the muscles and the nerves can lead to scoliosis and this is known as neuromuscular scoliosis. This is most commonly due to muscle imbalance and/or weakness. Examples of neuromuscular conditions that can lead to scoliosis include cerebral palsy, spina bifida and muscular dystrophy.

How is it found?

Finding scoliosis is easy when the back is examined closely but it can be missed if someone isn’t looking for it. Parents or friends might notice the curve, but most curves are found through a school screening program or by a pediatrician. A trained examiner can detect even a slight curve when a person bends over to touch her or his toes. If a curve is suspected, a referral is often made to an orthopedic doctor. Print this PDF.

What may be noticed on someone who has scoliosis:
  1. One shoulder may be higher than the other.
  2. One scapula (shoulder blade) may be higher or more prominent than the other.
  3. When the arms hang loosely at the side of the body, there may be more space between the arm and the body on one side.
  4. One hip may appear to be higher than the other.
  5. The head may not be centered exactly over the pelvis.
  6. The waist may be flattened on one side; skin creases may be present on one side of the waist.
What are the types of curves?

Curves occur in the spine between the neck and the pelvis. They are named depending on their location. The most common type is in the upper back (thoracic) and tends to curve to the right. Other curves are in the lower (lumbar) spine. Many children have both types of curves.

How are curves treated?

Treatment depends on how big the curve is when it’s detected and how much growth is left. Curves can worsen during the major growth spurts. Curves less than 20 degrees may not need any treatment except to be checked by the doctor from time to time until the child has stopped growing.

If a child is still growing and the curve is greater than 20 degrees, the doctor might recommend wearing a brace. Bracing will not correct a curve. The goal of bracing is to help prevent the curve from getting worse during growth. Braces must be worn as prescribed by the doctor during the growing years in order to be effective. After growth is completed or if the curve does not respond to bracing, the brace is no longer worn.

If a curve is advanced, the doctor may suggest an operation to correct the scoliosis. Allowing a large curve to progress could interfere with heart and lung function in later years. The most common type of operation is called posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion. Instrumentation refers to metal rods and screws that are attached to the spine to hold it in the corrected position. Fusion refers to the bone graft that is placed along the spine making the vertebrae one solid piece.

Learn more about the importance of scoliosis screening.

News On 6: Tulsa Man Sells Mustang to Support Scottish Rite for Children

News On 6: Tulsa Man Sells Mustang to Support Scottish Rite for Children

by | May 16, 2025 | Press Coverage, Scoliosis & Spine

More than 50 years ago, Bryan Rowland was a patient at Scottish Rite for Children. Bryan was born with Klippel-Feil syndrome, a rare condition in which his vertebrae were fused together.

“Thankfully, my parents sought treatment through Scottish Rite, and I received corrective surgery as a toddler,” Bryan says. “They changed my life.”

Now, Bryan is giving up his beloved 1969 Ford Mustang to support the place he loves.

“It remains a magical place in my memories, a life-changing factory of fun for kids, in spite of physical challenges,” Bryan says. “Hopefully saying thank you by donating my prized car means more than just the two words.”

You can watch Bryan’s full story here.

CORA Prepares the Next Generation of Medical Experts

CORA Prepares the Next Generation of Medical Experts

by | Apr 29, 2025 | Research & Innovation, Scoliosis & Spine

Research equips Scottish Rite for Children clinicians to continuously provide the best care possible to every patient. Each year, Clinical Orthopedic Research Assistants (CORAs) are chosen to assist Scottish Rite’s team of experts in addressing a wide range of clinical needs, as well as innovating treatment options.

The CORA program serves as a patient-driven, hands-on experience for aspiring medical students. This program was created in 2022 to provide opportunities to students who aim to enhance their medical knowledge before entering medical school.

CORA staff assists Scottish Rite experts in performing clinical research tasks and collaborating on research projects. Each CORA staff member specializes in a specific area of study and works with the experts in that department, where they gain a well-rounded experience in their field of interest. CORA areas of study include Spine, Foot, Hip, Rheumatology, Neurology, Sports Medicine and Movement Science. They receive ample clinical interaction, research experience and mentorship within their field of interest, as well as other fields of their choosing.

Amareesa Robinson, a current CORA staff member, works with Scottish Rite’s spine experts. As a former Scottish Rite patient who had scoliosis, she is experiencing a full-circle moment by researching and collaborating with the spine team. She works closely with Assistant Chief of Staff Karl E. Rathjen, M.D., studying the use of tissue expanders to manage spinal deformities.

“What I love about researching spine conditions is the depth and complexity in the diagnoses and treatment methods,” Amareesa says. “Dr. Rathjen has served as a vital part of my experience and has taught me not only about research but also much about what goes into caring for patients with unique and complex conditions.”

As Amareesa’s CORA time wraps up, she is looking forward to a future in medicine. She was accepted into McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. “My time at Scottish Rite has shaped the kind of physician I want to become,” Amareesa says. “I know I still have much to learn, but Scottish Rite has shown me the type of career I want to build.”

If you are interested in a career in medicine and plan to take a year or two off after college before applying to medical school, learn more about becoming a CORA at Scottish Rite careers. Applications for June 2026 positions are being accepted through spring of 2025 and can be found here. 

From Patient to Advocate: “The Chosen” Actor Jordan Walker Ross Inspires All

From Patient to Advocate: “The Chosen” Actor Jordan Walker Ross Inspires All

by | Apr 22, 2025 | General News, Neurology, Scoliosis & Spine

Actor, filmmaker and screenwriter Jordan Walker Ross describes Scottish Rite for Children as a place of love and hope. Shortly after Jordan was born, his family brought him to Scottish Rite for cerebral palsy (CP), which affects his muscles and movements. Jordan also developed scoliosis due to his muscle weakness. After years of undergoing multiple hip surgeries, a spinal fusion and recovery in the Inpatient Unit, Jordan recalls only positive memories at Scottish Rite.

“I felt at home at Scottish Rite, even when I was about to undergo a major surgery,” Jordan says. “There was always something happening to help the patients experience something fun and memorable, regardless of whatever pain we were feeling.”

Since age 6, Jordan performed in local theaters and professional productions. However, his condition caused him to develop a limp, which impacted his ability to receive larger roles. This changed in 2018 when Jordan was cast in the TV series “The Chosen,” a historical drama based on the life of Jesus. He plays the role of Little James, who is one of Jesus’ disciples.

“The creator of “The Chosen” made my limp part of my role,” Jordan says. “I used to hide my disability, even feeling embarrassed to call myself disabled. Now, I own it.”

The role of Little James marks a turning point for both Jordan’s career and personal life. Since the success of “The Chosen,” Jordan has received roles in other films and TV shows, like “1883,” “Yellowstone” and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” He credits this to a pivotal scene in season three of “The Chosen” between Little James and Jesus, where Little James asks Jesus why he hasn’t healed him of his condition.

“It was cathartic to perform that scene and to express many frustrations that I’ve had in my life,” Jordan says. After the scene aired, he recalls that people — including patients from Scottish Rite — commented how it helped them feel seen. “I was like, ‘Why don’t I see that in myself?’” he says. “I realized that I had stopped loving myself the way I did back then. Now, I am proud of who I am and what I mean to my community.”

Jordan currently uses his platform to advocate for increased visibility of disabilities in all spaces. From his podcast to public appearances, Jordan promotes self-acceptance for all through his endeavors.

“I have no idea where I would be if it wasn’t for Scottish Rite,” Jordan says. “I refer someone any time I get the chance because Scottish Rite literally changed my life.

Micaela’s Road to Confidence Through Expert Care

Micaela’s Road to Confidence Through Expert Care

by | Feb 28, 2025 | Hip Disorders, Prosthetics & Orthotics, Scoliosis & Spine

Micaela, of Northlake, Texas, is described by her family as the “ultimate girly girl.” She can often be seen arriving to her appointments at Scottish Rite for Children wearing pink or purple with bows in her hair. At age 6, she is full of confidence and fearlessness — a feat gained from the support she receives daily from her family and care team at Scottish Rite.

Originally from Puerto Rico, Micaela was born with several conditions. She was diagnosed with congenital scoliosis, a spinal curve that is present at birth. She also has tibial hemimelia in her left leg, meaning part of the bone in her lower leg  was missing at birth. This ultimately led to the amputation of her lower leg. Additionally, Micaela has dysplasia of her left hip, a condition in which the hip joint did not form correctly. Because of these conditions, her family recognized early on that she would need specialized, expert care.

“On the island, access to specialists was limited due to long waiting lists,” says Emele, Micaela’s mother. “Since coming to Scottish Rite, Micaela has become more independent, thanks to her care team.”

After moving to Texas to be closer to family, Micaela was referred to Scottish Rite by a pediatrician to receive multidisciplinary care. Pediatric orthopedic surgeon Jaysson T. Brooks, M.D., led Micaela’s spinal care, which required her to wear a series of Mehta casts. These casts were used until she could be transitioned to custom spine braces created by Scottish Rite’s Orthotics and Prosthetics team.

“One of Micaela’s favorite parts about coming to Scottish Rite is playing with the projector games on the wall in the waiting room, right before going in for an X-ray,” Emele says. “At each appointment, Dr. Brooks makes sure we don’t leave with any questions about her care.”

Her team of orthotists creates prostheses that adjust to her physical needs and aesthetic preferences, incorporating rainbow and unicorn designs. Micaela also meets with occupational therapists to practice moving around in a walker and wheelchair. While her care journey is not over, Micaela’s family has joined Scottish Rite’s Peer Support Program to connect with other families whose children have similar medical conditions.

“Without a doubt, our Scottish Rite experience has made us feel like we are around family,” Emele says. “We are excited to meet with other families and potentially gain new friends. To us, Scottish Rite means hope for a better life for my girl.”

Healing With Hope: Mickel’s Transformation Through Spinal Fusion

Healing With Hope: Mickel’s Transformation Through Spinal Fusion

by | Feb 6, 2025 | Scoliosis & Spine

To Mickel, Scottish Rite for Children represents hope for a better tomorrow. After noticing that the curve in his lower back had grown, Mickel and his family were referred to Scottish Rite for Children. Chief of Staff Daniel J. Sucato, M.D., M.S., discovered that he had adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) at age 17. AIS is the most common type of scoliosis in children and teenagers, and the cause is unknown.

Due to the severity of Mickel’s curve, Dr. Sucato decided that a spinal fusion would be the best treatment option for him. While this may be the most common type of surgery to treat scoliosis, surgery is still a daunting experience. Mickel shares that, during his moments of uncertainty before surgery, Dr. Sucato’s care was instrumental in his overall experience.

“He listened to all of my concerns,” Mickel says. “No matter how silly my questions felt to me, Dr. Sucato reassured me that I would be able to navigate life confidently after the spinal fusion.”

After undergoing treatment, Mickel remembers that his perspective on life began to change. “It took some time, but I eventually regained my confidence, sense of self and even a desire to become more active,” Mickel says. “I don’t think this would have been possible before my spinal fusion.”

Today, 24-year-old Mickel shows no signs of slowing down! When he is not hanging out with his friends, Mickel can be found hiking, swimming, running or lifting. Now, Mickel is looking forward to serving in the U.S. Army as a geospatial engineer this year!

“I would tell anyone with AIS that it does get better,” Mickel says. “Scottish Rite gives people like me the potential to have a brighter future and be able to live a normal life after treatment. For that, I am grateful.”

Do you have a story? We want to hear it! Share your story with us.