Restoring Lives for Children and Adults With Scoliosis
The orthopedic scoliosis specialists at Norton Leatherman Spine are respected around the world as leading providers of scoliosis treatment. We’re the premier destination for patients in Louisville and Southern Indiana with curvature of the spine.
The pioneering work of Kenton D. Leatherman, M.D., in developing new approaches to treating scoliosis after World War II provides the foundation for today’s practice. Our orthopedic spine physicians are at the leading edge of innovative scoliosis care today.
Our adult and pediatric specialists continue Dr. Leatherman’s devotion to advancing medical science to provide better outcomes with fewer side effects for patients.
Our specialists will discuss options ranging from exercise treatment to bracing to surgery, depending on the severity and type of scoliosis.
An International Reputation for Excellence
Norton Leatherman Spine has been a leader in developing new techniques for scoliosis surgery. We have been at the forefront using neuromonitoring that can provide an early warning system during surgery to prevent neurological complications. We also have been leaders in the development of computer-assisted navigation that offers greater precision around critical structures of the spine.
Norton Leatherman Spine also is a leading U.S. center for scoliosis-specific exercise treatment, which seeks to avoid the need for brace treatment or surgery in appropriate patients.
Our history and our continued dedication to innovation means your doctor is uniquely trained and equipped to provide a precise diagnosis and outline a scoliosis treatment plan to restore your life and get you moving with less pain.
Patients travel from around the world to get the unique specialized care offered at Norton Leatherman Spine.
That’s because we treat thousands of adult and childhood scoliosis patients each year. We have the commitment and experience to give you a precise diagnosis and treat your condition so you can get back to living your life.
Our Surgeons Are Known For Expertise in Scoliosis Treatment
Steven D. Glassman, M.D., followed in Dr. Leatherman’s footsteps, becoming president of the Scoliosis Research Society, the most prestigious organization for scoliosis surgeons around the world.
John R. Dimar II, M.D., is the education council chair for the Scoliosis Research Society. In that position, he helps develop scoliosis education for surgeons around the world.
Rolando M. Puno, M.D., has expertise in the care of patients with neuromuscular scoliosis and myelomeningocele. For many years, he has operated a statewide clinic dedicated to the care of these complex deformities.
Learn more about pediatric scoliosis care at Norton Children’s .
Special Care for Our Youngest Patients
Children often have no pain, weakness, numbness or other symptoms that point to a curvature of their spine. Idiopathic scoliosis often is discovered by a parent while the child is undressed or during routine physical examinations by the family doctor.
Idiopathic scoliosis doesn’t go away with time or growth of the child — it must be evaluated and corrected by a specialist. Left untreated, scoliosis can worsen and affect the lungs, heart and other internal organs.
Side-to-side alignment that results in shoulder imbalance, chest or rib asymmetry, or leaning side to side may be a result of scoliosis.
Scoliosis is seven times more common in those assigned female at birth. It runs in families and can be present at birth or develop in adolescence. Early onset scoliosis occurs in children before age 3, juvenile scoliosis occurs in children between the ages of 4 and 9, and the more common adolescent idiopathic scoliosis occurs between ages 10 and 17.
Curves tend to continue to increase throughout adult life due to degeneration of the discs, arthritis and poor bone quality.
If there is suspicion or a strong family history of a scoliosis deformity, a qualified spine specialist should be consulted. Scoliosis can be diagnosed easily with a physical exam and full-length spine radiographs. Additional testing may be recommended if other potential causes of the curvature are suspected.
Treating Scoliosis
Curves are highly likely to progress in young patients that have larger curves and significant remaining growth. Small curves in patients who are finished growing likely won’t progress until old age.
Norton Leatherman Spine specializes in nonoperative treatments, the latest bracing techniques and, if required, state-of-the-art surgical techniques.
In most instances, only observation is required for curves less than 20 degrees in younger patients or larger curves in mature teenagers. Bracing has been shown to be up to 75% effective in preventing curves of 20 to 45 degrees in growing adolescents from progressing to the point of requiring surgery.
Surgery is recommended for curves that are rapidly progressing in young patients with significant growth left in the spine, when brace treatment has failed or if the size of the curve is 45 to 50 degrees in the chest area or 35 to 40 degrees in the lower back.
The most common surgical treatment for scoliosis is to straighten and realign the spine. Your scoliosis specialist will explain treatment options and create a customized plan to help achieve a well-aligned, balanced and pain-free spine.
