Scoliosis is a disorder that causes the spine to twist or curve to the side. Most young adults with mild scoliosis don’t require aggressive treatment. When scoliosis causes back pain and other problems later in life, there are non-surgical and surgical treatments that can help.

Signs and symptoms of scoliosis include:

• Heart or breathing problems due to spine deformity
• A shoulder blade that’s more noticeable than the other or ribs that stick out more than the others
• Twisted or rotated spine
• Uneven shoulders, waist, and/or hips

If you have back pain caused by scoliosis or think you may have undiagnosed scoliosis, call an orthopaedic specialist at University of Miami Health System. We offer appointments as soon as possible — often the same day or within 24 hours. 

Treatments

Bracing
Your orthopaedic specialist may recommend that you wear a brace to help stop the progression of your scoliosis.

Spine Reconstruction
In this spine reconstruction procedure, your orthopaedic surgeon attaches rods, hooks, wires, or screws to the curved part of your spine to straighten it.

Spinal fusion
In this surgical procedure, your orthopaedic surgeon attaches rods, hooks, wires, or screws to the curved part of your spine to straighten it. This is a type of spine reconstruction.

Tests

Comprehensive Exam
Your doctor will conduct a thorough exam and review your health history to diagnose this condition.

Imaging
Your doctor may order an imaging test such as an X-ray, a computerized tomography (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to confirm a diagnosis.

Why Choose UHealth?

World-class care in an academic health center. As a research and teaching institution, we treat children and adults with proven, leading-edge procedures based on clinical studies performed at the Miller School of Medicine. Our doctors, residents, nurses, and therapists work together to create healthy outcomes.