Pediatric Spine Program

We offer specialized care and ongoing research to improve treatments for your child's spine condition.

Dr. Stelzer talks with a patient in a spine clinic.

Full treatment options, from skull to tailbone

Connecticut Children's helps kids, teens, and young adults with scoliosis, spine injuries, and complex spine conditions.

Our pediatric spine program uses modern tools and works closely with orthopedic surgeons and pediatric neurosurgeons. We treat both routine and complex spine problems, providing pediatric spine surgery only when absolutely necessary.

Why families choose Connecticut Children's

  • Connecticut's largest pediatric spine deformity program.
  • Collaborative care with experts in pediatric orthopedic surgery and pediatric neurosurgery working together.
  • Expertise in simple to highly complex spine conditions.
  • AI-assisted surgical planning and advanced navigation tools.
  • Full nonsurgical and surgical treatment options.
  • Research and new ideas focused on better outcomes.

Spine Conditions We Treat

Spine injuries

  • Stress fractures and spondylolysis
  • Spine injuries and trauma
  • Sports-related spine conditions

Complex spine conditions

  • Spinal tumors and blood vessel malformations
  • Neuromuscular spine disorders

Advanced Technology for Spinal Procedures

Connecticut Children's uses advanced imaging and AI technology to plan surgeries. We also use neuro-navigation to give your child precise care for difficult spine problems.

With the Airo CT system, our surgeons track spine curves, make clear surgery plans, and accurately place implants during surgery. We also use augmented reality tools to view spine anatomy in real time.

When it comes to early-onset scoliosis treatment, we offer MAGEC rods — magnetically controlled growing rods. These implants help your child's spine grow while lowering the need for repeat surgeries.

Full Treatment Options

At Connecticut Children's, we create care plans that support long-term health, movement, and well-being for your child. We try every other option before recommending surgery. Treatment options may include:

  • Observation and monitoring
  • Scoliosis bracing
  • Physical therapy
  • Lifestyle and activity changes
  • Growth-friendly technologies
  • Minimally invasive care, such as injections
  • Complex spinal reconstruction and deformity correction surgery

Team-based pediatric spine care

Our program brings together experts in pediatric orthopedics, pediatric neurosurgery, and advanced surgical navigation in one single team.

Research and innovation

Our spine specialists take part in ongoing research. We are always working to find better, less invasive treatments for kids and teens with spinal problems.

What to Expect

When you visit Connecticut Children's, our spine team commits to providing:

  • Full evaluations and imaging
  • Personal treatment plans tailored to your child
  • Coordination with other pediatric specialists when needed
  • Detailed surgery planning and support after surgery
  • Close follow-up during spine surgery recovery and growth
     

What is Scoliosis?

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Frequently Asked Questions

You should schedule an evaluation if your child has signs of scoliosis, back pain that does not go away, changes in posture, or uneven shoulders or hips. Connecticut Children's spine care program helps children with both simple and complex spine problems, including disorders that affect the muscles and nerves.

No. We can treat many children with scoliosis using observation, bracing, physical therapy, or other nonsurgical care. We offer comprehensive pediatric scoliosis treatment that fits each child's specific needs and stage of growth.

We treat scoliosis, kyphosis, congenital spinal conditions, spine injuries, spinal tumors, and other complex issues related to the spine. We also offer dedicated neuromuscular scoliosis treatment for children with conditions that affect the nerves and muscles.

Treatment options include monitoring, scoliosis bracing, physical therapy, growth-friendly technologies, and surgery when needed. We also use specialized implants to help treat early-onset scoliosis.

Your child's growing spine needs special care that adult doctors may not provide. We are the only health system in Connecticut that focuses 100% on kids. Our surgeons are specially trained in treating spine issues that affect growing bodies.

We treat complex spine problems using a coordinated team of pediatric bone specialists and nerve specialists. We also use advanced imaging and neuro-navigation to plan and safely perform complex treatments.

Spine Care for Kids and Adolescents Across the Region

Do you think your child may have signs of scoliosis or a spinal condition?

Request an Appointment
Amelia in Dr. Stelzer's spine clinic post-op

Amelia's Story: Neuromuscular Scoliosis

A rare neuromuscular condition, SMA, led to a scoliosis diagnosis later in life. Today, this teen is thriving. 

Read Full Story

Our Pediatric Spine Surgeons

Jonathan Martin, MD, FAANS

Division Head, Neurosurgery | Paul M. Kanev, MD, Endowed Chair of Pediatric Neurosurgery | Co-Director, Spine and Peripheral Nerve Surgery | Associate Director For Trauma

Markus Bookland, MD

Director, Surgical Epilepsy Program | Co-Director, Craniofacial Surgery Program

David Hersh, MD

Pediatric Neurosurgeon | Director, Surgical Neuro-Oncology | Director of Fetal and Neonatal Neurosurgery