The spine care experts at Children's Health℠ care for babies with a wide range of spine deformities. We are one of the only programs in Texas to use Mehta casting for young patients and custom 3D guides during spine surgery. You can rely on our team to provide your child with the right care for a strong, healthy spine.
Overview
What are congenital spinal deformities?
Congenital spinal irregularities occur when a child’s spine doesn't develop properly in the womb. These irregularities can affect the bones and nerves in the spine.
The way a spine irregularity affects a child depends on where along the spine the issue is located and how severe it is. In many cases, a spine irregularity doesn’t cause any problems. However, severe spinal irregularities can cause difficulty breathing or walking, paralysis from the waist down, or problems with the heart, kidneys and other organs.
Types
What are the different types of congenital spinal deformities?
The different types of spinal irregularities include:
Partially formed vertebrae
Vertebrae are the bones that make up the spine. In some babies with spine irregularities, the vertebrae don’t form correctly.
Missing vertebrae
Some babies don’t develop all their vertebrae. This can affect how the back and spinal cord work.
Fused vertebrae
Babies with this irregularity have vertebrae that are connected together into one large piece of bone.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is when the spine curves sideways, instead of running straight from the neck to the pelvis.
Kyphosis
Kyphosis is when the upper spine curves too far outward, forming a hump on the upper back.
Signs and Symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of congenital spinal deformities?
One leg appears longer than the other
Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
Problems with breathing
Rounded back (kyphosis)
Spine that bends sideways (scoliosis)
Tilted pelvis
Uneven shoulders or hips
Diagnosis
How are congenital spinal deformities diagnosed?
Your child’s pediatrician might discover a spinal irregularly during a physical exam shortly after their birth. To get more information about your child’s issue and make a diagnosis, their doctor may recommend imaging tests, including.
X-rays
Ultrasound
CT scan
MRI scan
Bone scan
Sometimes, spinal irregularities are discovered during routine ultrasounds when your baby is still in the womb. We can work with your OB/GYN to diagnose the condition. We’ll begin teaching you about your child’s condition and create a treatment plan for them that can begin after they are born.
Causes
What causes congenital spinal deformities?
It isn’t clear what causes spine irregularities. They may be related to environmental factors, such as a pregnant woman being exposed to toxins or cigarette smoke. They might also be related to genetic conditions like Down syndrome.
Treatment
How are congenital spinal deformities treated?
Our spine specialists will assess your child’s spine and provide personalized recommendations for their care. Some spinal irregularities won’t cause any problems and may need no treatment aside from observation. However, children with spinal irregularities are at a high risk for needing spinal surgery.
When irregularities cause problems, we provide treatment such as:
Physical therapy to strengthen back and leg muscles
Bracing to correct curves in the spine
Mehta casting for scoliosis
We are one of the only programs in Texas to use Mehta casting for young scoliosis patients. Research shows that this advanced treatment is better than traditional bracing at straightening the spine in young patients.
Some children may need spinal surgery to correct spinal irregularities. We are the only pediatric facility in Texas, and one of the few in the country, to use custom 3D guides to perform spine surgery. This technology improves outcomes and results in safer, more effective surgeries for children. You can rely on our experience and expertise to help your child’s back grow strong and straight.
