New Jersey Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Expert, empathetic care for young patients with scoliosis is now available in Englewood, NJ.

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Care in New Jersey

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) refers to a curvature of the spine that develops in teenagers without a clearly identified cause. While everyone's spine has natural curves, AIS causes an abnormal “S” or “C” shape that cannot be corrected simply by improving posture. In some cases, the spine may also rotate, giving the torso or waist an uneven appearance.

If you suspect your adolescent may have scoliosis, consider scheduling an evaluation at our Englewood, NJ location to learn about potential treatment options.

Understanding Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

In most instances—over 80%—scoliosis occurs for reasons that remain unknown, leading to the “idiopathic” label. Among teenagers, three to five percent experience some form of scoliosis, with girls being more prone to progression. Research is ongoing to determine whether there is a genetic link that increases an adolescent's risk.

When scoliosis progresses, it can create both emotional and physical challenges for a young person. Not only may an uneven spine shape cause stress or self-consciousness, but more severe deformities also have the potential to impact heart and lung function if left unaddressed.

Normal spine (left) – Scoliosis (right)

Symptoms

AIS often goes unnoticed until a routine school screening or medical exam. Even if pain is not a significant issue, certain signs and symptoms may point to AIS, including:

A rib cage or shoulder blade that appears more prominent when bending forward
One shoulder sitting higher than the other
Hips that seem uneven
Legs that appear mismatched in length
Changes in gait or unusual fatigue in the lower back
Clothes fitting improperly (e.g., pant legs appearing of different lengths)

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Diagnosis

When assessing a young patient for AIS, Dr. Stieber begins with a thorough review of medical history, a detailed physical and neurological exam, and x-rays or other diagnostic imaging. Evaluating family history and growth patterns provides insight into how many years remain before the spine fully matures, as the potential for curve progression can be closely tied to skeletal maturity. Curves under 40–45 degrees may stabilize upon reaching skeletal maturity, whereas larger curves have a higher risk of continuing to progress.

Non-Operative Treatment

Some AIS cases do not require surgery. Smaller curves, often under 15–20 degrees, may simply be observed over time. Moderate curves (20–40 degrees) might call for bracing to help reduce further curvature. Although wearing a brace between 16 to 23 hours per day can be challenging, the goal is to slow or halt the curve's progression and potentially avoid surgery.

However, not all spine curvatures respond favorably to bracing. Larger curves or those located near the neck (cervicothoracic) are often more resistant to improvement, and older teens approaching skeletal maturity may see limited benefits from brace usage.

Surgical Treatment

Surgical intervention may be recommended for certain scoliosis types and severity levels. Rapidly advancing curves, or those producing neurological symptoms, may necessitate a surgical approach to prevent continued progression and correct existing spinal deviations. Additionally, some patients with moderate curves might opt for surgery if the appearance or other symptoms significantly affect daily life.

Procedures typically involve placing specialized implants or pedicle screws into the spine and connecting them to rods. These rods help realign and stabilize the spine until it fuses in the corrected position. With newer instrumentation, Dr. Stieber often sees strong post-operative stability, allowing many patients to resume activities within a few months. In certain cases, even a 50-degree curve can be reduced significantly under 10 degrees.

For more information or to explore treatment possibilities in New Jersey, reach out to our Englewood office to schedule a personalized consultation with Dr. Stieber.

Disclaimer: Individual results vary, and all treatment decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. This content is for informational purposes and should not be taken as medical advice.

A 16-year-old male diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, treated with a posterior approach utilizing pedicle screws and rods.

A 16-year-old male diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, treated with a posterior approach utilizing pedicle screws and rods.