Scoliosis and Irregular Curvature of the Spine

The human spine has specific normal curves. The curves in our lower back give a slight arch and position the body’s weight above the pelvis and hips allowing us to move in balance and stand. Certain people, however, can lose their normal spinal alignment due to irregular curvature of the spine. This is not due to poor posture and unfortunately, these curves can’t be corrected by standing up straight.

Scoliosis is the condition of side-to-side spinal curvature. When you look at an X-Ray, spines with scoliosis look more like a “C” or an “S” rather than a straight line. The body’s overall balance can also be affected since the head or trunk is shifted either to the side or forward in front of the hips.

Don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more about scoliosis treatment in NYC with Dr. Stieber.

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What Are the Types of Scoliosis?

There are certain types of scoliosis that people at all stages of life can be affected by. Children and adolescents could develop curves that are designated as juvenile, congenital, or adolescent scoliosis. Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is the most dominant form of pediatric scoliosis. As research continues, a genetic basis for AIS is beginning to clear up and become more understood but a general medical term commonly used is “Idiopathic” which is defined as “of undetermined cause.”

Adult scoliosis can crop up from untreated childhood scoliosis that has progressively worsened. More often than not, it is degenerative conditions such as disc disease or arthritis that can cause adult scoliosis.

What Are My Treatment Options for Scoliosis?

Not all patients with scoliosis in NYC need surgery. For younger patients, brace scoliosis treatment may be recommended since they are not yet skeletally mature (still growing). However, not taking into account the patient’s age, scoliosis may become progressive, which can lead to increasing pain, deformity, and in some instances can create issues with lungs and the heart (severe scoliosis).

Many patients will not need surgery and can benefit from a scoliosis treatment option that is less invasive. Dr. Stieber will carefully review the results of the patient’s x-rays, physical examination, and advanced imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans when strategically planning any scoliosis treatment or surgical plan.

About Scoliosis Surgery

The main goal of scoliosis surgery is to stop the curve from progressing and (getting worse) and stabilize the spine. Another goal of the surgery is to correct the deformity. This surgery is done under general anesthesia. The skin area(s) is prepared and cleaned and we check the nerve function and spinal cord throughout the procedure with a specialized computer monitoring system to prevent any injury. A type of spinal navigation system called Fluoroscopy is done throughout the surgery, this allows Dr. Stieber to view the anatomy of the patient in real-time. Scoliosis surgery may also employ a state-of-the-art spine robot to assist with surgery for greater precision.

This scoliosis surgery in New York can be performed from the front (anterior), back (posterior), or side – between the ribs (thoracoscopic) and could result in removing one or more discs (discectomy) or cutting bone (osteotomy). Dr. Stieber is an active member of the Scoliosis Research Society, this allows him to utilize cutting-edge and minimally-invasive techniques to achieve improved spinal alignment and correct the deformity.

Between the upper and lower vertebral bodies and around the instrumentation we insert a bone graft into any empty space. Spinal instrumentation such as screws and rods are implanted to fix the spine in place. New bone grows around and into the instrumentation as part of the natural and incredible healing processes of the body, this results in spinal fusion.

Post-operative x-rays are performed to ensure curve correction and that all spinal implants are optimally positioned. The incision is closed with a plastic surgical-type closure and a sterile dressing is applied.

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What Types of Bone Graft Are Available?

  • Autograft is the patient’s own bone. Autograft may be bone that is recycled from the patient’s spine during the procedure or in a separate procedure where the bone is taken from the patient’s hip.
  • Allograft is donor bone from a bone bank.
  • Bone graft substitute; there are different types, some of which are synthetic (man-made) and accessible in different shapes.

What Should I Expect After Surgery?

The patient is moved into the recovery unit after scoliosis surgery in New York with Dr. Stieber. During recovery, nurses and other members of the medical team will monitor the patient’s vital signs – pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and pain. Patients receive pain medication either through their IV (intravenous line) or by mouth to help alleviate any post-operative pain.

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What Is the Recovery Like?

The first couple of weeks following scoliosis surgery the patient will require some assistance with daily tasks. The following movements are not permitted during the initial recovery period:

  • Any heavy lifting
  • Twisting the spine
  • Bending at the back

The healing process may be affected and delayed by these activities. Dr. Stieber may prescribe a back brace to protect the area until the patient has fully recovered. The patient can return to Dr. Stieber NYC office after approximately two weeks, for a follow-up appointment. During that visit, he will inspect the incision site, assess the patient’s progress, and provide a personalized plan so you can resume work, school, or other activities.

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Why Choose Dr. Stieber for Dealing With Back Pain?

Dr. Jonathan Stieber is a board-certified, Fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon in NYC who delivers life-saving results for his patients. He goes above and beyond to ensure that each patient experiences an elevation in their quality of life with enhanced mobility and peace of mind. Dr. Stieber is an Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at the internationally respected NYU School of Medicine and is the Director of the world-class Spine Center at OrthoManhattan. He was listed as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for 2022 and a New York Magazine Best Doctor for 2021.

Testimonials What Our Patients Are Saying

Thank you for changing my life.

Dr. Stieber! I have no words to thank you enough. Thank you for changing my life. God bless you, your hands and your family. I’m so happy God put you in my way. You are the best surgeon in the world.

R.N.

Gold standard in todays medicine

Dr stieber corrected previous 2 surgeries that did not take. I had a L4-L5 fusion He is professional and listens to the patient feedback. I should have started with him from the get go – gold standard in todays medicine.

R.H.

You certainly changed my life!

I wanted to personally write to you as well as Bethany, Nancy, and Jennifer, to thank you so much. Not to sound overly dramatic but living with that pain for years, then having that surgery end of Nov. and feeling like a new person- you certainly changed my life! I know I’ve said this befor...

J.L.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart

Thanks to you I can lift my toddler without any issues- thank you from the bottom of my heart.

L.S.

No words can covey how grateful I am

No words can covey how grateful I am for your care and expertise, but I will try. You are not just a world-class surgeon, you are a world-class human being. The level of care and professionalism from you and your staff has placed me on a faster track to recovery than I ever thought possible.

M.G.

Dr Stieber fixed me from extreme pain and has such a great way about him

Dr Stieber fixed me from extreme pain and has such a great way about him. I’ve got nothing but the best to say about him and his team. I am a new person and my recovery was very quick due to his work. After 3 weeks, I was back in the gym doing light workouts. The man is great!

K.A.

The man is a life saver

Dr. Stieber performed a MIS TLIF at L4 / L5 in January 2015. At a year and a half, I am pain free and doing well. The man is a life saver. I have and will continue to recommend him to anyone experiencing back pain.

J.F.

I very highly recommend Dr. Stieber and his entire team

I am a 69 year old male, who up until 5 years ago, walked 3-5 miles per day. Lower back pain became such an issue that I could hardly walk 100 feet before I had to stop. After consulting with 5 different neurosurgeons, with no positive results, Dr. Stieber was referred to me by a friend. I met wi...

J.L.

Dr Stieber changed my life

Dr Stieber changed my life, I went from being in constant pain to no pain at all and from being almost unable to work to working full time. The surgery was surprisingly almost painless and my recovery quick, His staff always was available to speak to me when I had questions or concerns and were v...

M.F.

Dr. Stieber changed my life

I have been in pain for over a decade. I no longer am. Dr. Stieber changed my life.

H.H.

I am so grateful for your help

I am so grateful for your help–I wouldn’t be progressing towards a brighter future otherwise.

A.A.

Thanks for putting me back together.

Thanks for putting me back together.

J.P.

Thank you for working wonders

Thank you for working wonders and giving me my mom back. I cannot thank you enough.

M.K.

You operated on my spine and enabled me to walk again

You operated on my spine and enabled me to walk again — which is no small thing. I want you to know that even though a year has passed (88 in my case). I will remember you not only as a fine surgeon but as an impeccable dresser and a real nice guy.

J.R.

This is to express my sincere gratitude to you.

This is to express my sincere gratitude to you. May the good Lord richly bless you for the wonderful thing you have done for me. May you live long so that you help others as well.

R.Z.

Your extraordinary skill as a spine surgeon

From your ability to communicate complicated MRI images and medical jargon in a way that made perfect sense to me, to your honesty and candid demeanor, to your ability to empathize, and obviously your extraordinary skill as a spine surgeon…

C.B.

I thank God and you

This time last year I was in so much pain I could not enjoy the holidays with my family. You have changed that for me this year. Thank you is not enough. When I walk down the street and I realize I have walked more than two blocks without pain, I thank God and you, I feel great, you are the BEST!...

T.J.

I thank you with all my heart

I thank you with all my heart and my family’s too. If it wasn’t for your wonderful gift of your hands I would not be walking today.

D.H.

Now I can begin to live again

You identified my condition, arrived at a solution… and most importantly repaired my lower spine. Every morning when I arise pain free, know that I am so very grateful to you and your skillful hands. Thank you for restoring my health. Now I can begin to live again.

A.C.

It has changed my life

I have been sciatica free for almost 7 months. I can stand without having to sit right away. It has changed my life.

J.H.

You all have demonstrated the true meaning of PATIENT CARE.

I would like to take this time to truly thank you for the hard work and dedication in helping me reach some semblance of normalcy. No words can express how grateful I am. You all have demonstrated the true meaning of PATIENT CARE.

T.T.

Dr. Stieber and his entire staff are the best.

Dr. Stieber and his entire staff are the best. From scheduling, appointments, surgery and post op, they are top notch. Doctor Stieber is a very smart and a highly skilled surgeon.

N.

I’m living a new life after the surgery.

I’m living a new life after the surgery. The whole team was impressive. Very responsive, clear and supportive.

E.R.

Always trust a surgeon with great hair.

Incredible team from the desk, techs, PA to the magical hands of the surgeon. Always trust a surgeon with great hair.

J.G.

That was on the mark!

Dr Stieber performed a discectomy on a Tuesday. I was able to go back to the office the next day. i was told the pain would be reduced at least 95%. That was on the mark!

L.P.

For all of this I am truly grateful to you.

The manner in which you diagnosed my orthopedic problem compelled to write to you. When I came to your office on 11/19/20 after an exhaustive search for an accurate diagnosis, I had previously received three contradictory evaluations and various treatments and yet continued to experience progress...

Anonymous

I wanted to reach out to express my thanks to you for the past few years.

I wanted to reach out to express my thanks to you for the past few years. You performed an L5-S1 decompression and revision on me in 2019 and 2021, when I was in medical school.

I was able to successfully complete my training, and am slated to begin neurosurgery residency at the Cleveland ...

Anonymous

Thank you for taking great care of me!

Anonymous

My deepest gratitude for everything

My deepest gratitude for everything you did to ensure I received the surgery needed, as quickly as possible; and by the best in the business.

S

How grateful I am to you for giving my life back

Thank you just doesn't seem to express how grateful I am to you for giving me my life back. 

Schedule a Consultation And Get The Pain-Free Lifestyle You Deserve

NYC spine surgery specialist, Dr. Jonathan Stieber, provides his patients with the most effective treatment options available, all of which are tailored to meet your individual needs. With Dr. Stieber guiding your care, it is possible to say goodbye to pain and enjoy an active lifestyle once again.

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