Scoliosis and Spinal Deformities

At UT Southwestern’s Spine Center, our expert team of doctors specializes in proven therapies to treat scoliosis and other spinal deformities. We offer our patients the most advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies and techniques, including specialized spine imaging.

Our collaborative approach gives patients access to neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, pain management specialists, and physiatrists with one call. We strive to coordinate, facilitate, and expedite patient care, saving our patients’ time.

Spine Center

Comprehensive Spine Care to Reclaim Quality of Life

The specialized spine doctors at UT Southwestern Spine Center are dedicated to helping patients overcome spine problems, providing comprehensive care and access to the latest and most effective treatments.

Learn More

Why Choose UT Southwestern for Scoliosis and Spinal Deformity Care?

Spinal deformities range from mild to severe and can be caused by many conditions, such as scoliosis and kyphosis – abnormal curvatures of the spine. Deformities of the spine also can result from spinal fractures and conditions such as spondylolisthesis and ankylosing spondylitis.

Scoliosis is an abnormal, side-to-side curvature of the spine, often in the shape of an S or a C. This condition might develop in adults as a result of degenerative arthritis or as a continuation of pediatric or adolescent scoliosis.

Every spinal deformity patient at UT Southwestern receives a custom treatment plan. Some deformities can be corrected with physical therapy and bracing, while others require surgery.

Our physicians are leaders in spinal deformity treatment and research and have published hundreds of articles about their work. We offer the latest techniques to help correct scoliosis and other spinal deformities. We begin with a 3D-printed replica of a patient’s spine to visualize treatment. When surgery is needed, we use software and real-time scans to help us precisely place screws and customized rods.

We are also one of the few medical centers with a neurospine intensive care unit, and our innovative Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program helps patients recover more quickly after surgery.

How Are Scoliosis and Spinal Deformities Diagnosed?

If we suspect a spinal deformity, we’ll conduct a physical examination and order spine imaging studies. Tests, procedures, and studies used to evaluate and diagnose spinal deformities might include:

Bone scans
Computed tomography (CT) scan
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Myelography
Nerve conduction studies to measure electrical activity generated by muscles and nerves
X-rays

How Are Scoliosis and Spinal Deformities Treated?

After diagnosis, we make sure patients see the right experts to treat their specific symptoms and type of spinal deformity.

The treatment for spinal deformities depends upon their cause and severity. Many people with idiopathic scoliosis don’t require treatment – just regular monitoring.

When treatment is needed, it can include:

Anti-inflammation drugs
Biofeedback
Cortisone injections
Physical therapy
Surgery

We’ll create a care plan that minimizes the number of visits a patient needs to make, while also providing all the necessary support.

What Clinical Trials Are Available for Scoliosis and Spinal Deformities?

UT Southwestern conducts clinical trials aimed at improving the diagnosis and treatment of spinal deformities. Talk with our doctors to see if a clinical trial is available.