Infantile Idiopathic Scoliosis

Patient Cases

If you'd like to learn about a infantile idiopathic scoliosis case, please call Dr. Bridwell's office and speak with either Bernie at 314-747-2526 or Jackie at 314-747-2560.

What is Infantile Idiopathic Scoliosis?
Infantile idiopathic scoliosis is a form of scoliosis. It helps to break the name into its three sections:
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Non-surgical Treatments for Infantile Idiopathic Scoliosis
  • Bracing: In an effort to stop the curve from progressing, Dr. Bridwell may have the patient wear a brace.
    • Dr. Bridwell has worked with the same orthotist (a specialist who makes braces) since 1984. The orthotist is on-site at Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Children’s Hospitals and comes to all patient visits to check on how the patient is doing with the brace. The orthotist makes repairs or modifications to the brace during the office visit.
    • Dr. Bridwell uses [info to come]
When Spine Surgery for Infantile Idiopathic Scoliosis is Recommended
  • If the curve gets worse despite bracing
Please note: Spine surgery for infantile idiopathic scoliosis is an effective method to correct the curve and avoid greater deformity.
How Dr. Bridwell Treats Infantile Idiopathic Scoliosis
Growing Rod Technique: If a patient is under the age of 10, Dr. Bridwell generally doesn’t do a long fusion because the spine is still growing so much. He prefers to use a growing rod technique. In that, he surgically places instrumentation and implants into the spine that will help the spine grow straighter. Periodically, he will lengthen and change those implants so that the spine can continue to grow.