Restoring Lives for Adults With Scoliosis

The scoliosis specialists at Norton Leatherman Spine are respected around the world as leading providers of scoliosis treatment. Our specialists include Norton Neuroscience Institute neurosurgeons and spine surgeons who provide comprehensive scoliosis care. Norton Leatherman Spine is a leading 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 scoliosis specialists are at the leading edge of innovative scoliosis care today.

Understanding Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a side-to-side spinal curve. It can be a “C” shape or an “S” shape. The severity of the curve will influence the symptoms. 

Common Symptoms

• Uneven shoulders or hips: One shoulder or hip may appear higher than the other
• Pain in the back, neck or shoulders that can increase with long periods of standing or sitting
• Spinal curvature: Visible turn of the spine or a protruding rib cage may become apparent
• Muscle fatigue can be persistent as the body compensates for spinal misalignment
• Limited flexibility or mobility in the spine
• Leg length difference: An appearance of one shorter or longer leg due to pelvic tilt
• Nerve pain or numbness: Can result in severe cases as the spinal curvature compresses nerves

Types of Adult Scoliosis

• Adult idiopathic scoliosis, the most common form in adults, typically starts as adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and progresses into adulthood. 
• Degenerative scoliosis also is known as adult-onset scoliosis. It is caused by spine degeneration and aging. As the spine deteriorates, it can affect spinal alignment.
• Neuromuscular scoliosis develops from conditions such as muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy that can disrupt spinal stability, resulting in curvature.
• Congenital scoliosis is rarely diagnosed in adults, as it is present at birth due to malformations in the spine during fetal development. It can worsen over time if not treated.
• Secondary scoliosis can be caused by other spinal conditions, such as spinal stenosis or vertebral fractures, as posture changes over time to compensate for the underlying condition.

Treatment for scoliosis in adults can range from physical therapy to spinal fusion surgery or more advanced scoliosis surgery options depending on the severity of the curve and neurological impairments.

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 continued dedication to innovation, combined with the expertise of Norton Neuroscience Institute neurosurgeons and spine specialists, mean your doctor is uniquely trained and equipped to provide a precise diagnosis. We’ll work with you to 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 care offered by the scoliosis specialists at Norton Leatherman Spine. Experience treating thousands of adult scoliosis patients and pediatric scoliosis patients through Norton Children’s Leatherman Spine each year, allows our specialists to give you a precise diagnosis and treat your condition so you can get back to living your life.

Our Scoliosis Specialists Are Known for Their Expertise

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 a former education council chair for the Scoliosis Research Society. In that position, he helped develop scoliosis education for surgeons around the world.

Low-dose Imaging

Scoliosis patients typically need many X-rays to monitor the progression of the curve and to follow up after treatment. Norton Leatherman Spine uses an advanced imaging system called EOS Imaging to collect 2D and 3D images while exposing patients to extremely low doses of radiation. If surgery is required, the system provides detailed tools for planning the operation, including 3D models.

The EOS Imaging system uses 50% to 85% less radiation than traditional X-ray systems and 95% less than basic CT scans. The microdose feature further reduces radiation exposure.

With the help of a $300,000 grant from the Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation, with support from the PACCAR Foundation, the EOS Imaging system is located at Norton Healthcare Pavilion in downtown Louisville, Kentucky.

Treating Scoliosis

Norton Leatherman Spine scoliosis specialists are at the leading edge of nonsurgical treatments and state-of-the-art spinal surgery.

Treatment for scoliosis in adults is based on the severity of the spinal curvature and the level of symptoms, such as pain or spinal stenosis.

Nonsurgical treatments include physical therapy to strengthen core muscles, improve flexibility and reduce pain. Medications or injections can relieve pain caused by the spinal curvature. Bracing isn’t generally effective in altering a spinal curvature in adults. 

The most common surgical treatment for scoliosis is to straighten and realign the spine. Our scoliosis specialists will explain treatment options and create a customized plan to help achieve a well-aligned, balanced and pain-free spine.

Other surgical treatments include spinal fusion surgery to stabilize the spine and prevent further curvature progression in cases of severe scoliosis. Decompression surgery relieves pressure on nerves and can accompany spinal fusion. Minimally invasive options that reduce recovery time are available for certain candidates.

Spine Care From World-renowned Specialists

Norton Leatherman Spine is a world-renowned program delivering groundbreaking care and treatment for back, neck and spine conditions and procedures.

• Nationally recognized spine surgery fellowship program with over 150 trained fellows
• First in the world to perform robotic spine surgery using the Medtronic Mazor X Stealth Edition, demonstrating leadership in surgical innovations
• First health system in the nation to be recognized as an Advanced Orthopedic & Spine Center of Excellence by DNV
• First in the state of Kentucky to use the EOS Imaging system, a high-resolution image system with 50% to 85% less radiation exposure than traditional X-rays and CT scans
• More than 4,000 surgeries performed each year
• Recognized as a national benchmark for patient-reported outcome measures against spine surgeons across the nation, ensuring high-quality, data-driven care
• A team of 45 highly regarded specialists, including orthopedic spine surgeons, neurosurgeons and pain management specialists
• Internationally recognized leaders in clinical research of spinal disease, injury and deformity, opioid management, spine surgical innovations, scoliosis and more
• Specialists who have served in senior positions in the Scoliosis Research Society, the prestigious organization for scoliosis surgeons around the world
• Kenton D. Leatherman, M.D., the program namesake, was the first doctor in Kentucky to repair scoliosis surgically