How is Scoliosis Corrected? HSS Surgeon Explains

Paramus Daily Voice—June 28, 2016

In a recent article published in the Paramus Daily Voice, Roger F. Widmann, MD, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery, discusses early detection for scoliosis in children as part of a five segment series.

Dr. Widmann mentions, "Scoliosis, defined by a curvature of the spine that more than 10 degrees, is not preventable but can be treated by early detection. I take my patients' concerns very seriously, as my priority is to keep a scoliosis curve from requiring surgery. Pediatricians are a critical part of early detection as they check for scoliosis every year. Most health care providers check for scoliosis by performing the Forward Bending Test, which is when a patient bends forward at the waist to assess for asymmetry of the back. A scoliometer, which is similar to a level, is used to assess for rotation of the trunk. If there is asymmetry, an X-ray will be taken to evaluate if the asymmetry is caused by scoliosis."

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