Center for Comprehensive Spine Care
Expert Care for Every Child's Spine.
Center for Comprehensive Spine Care
Every child’s spine is unique. Whether it’s a mild curve or a complex deformity, the Center for Comprehensive Spine Care at Nationwide Children’s Hospital offers complete, compassionate care for children and adolescents with spinal conditions.
Our nationally recognized team provides both non-surgical and surgical treatments—supported by the latest technology, advanced research, and a multidisciplinary approach designed around your child’s needs and long-term well-being.
Nationwide Children's Hospital is ranked by U.S. News & World Report for Orthopedics.
Conditions We Treat
We care for children and young adults with the full spectrum of spinal disorders, including:
- Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS)
- Early-Onset Scoliosis (EOS)
- Congenital Scoliosis
- Neuromuscular Scoliosis (associated with conditions like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy)
- Syndromic Scoliosis (related to connective tissue or genetic conditions)
- Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis
- Kyphosis, lordosis, spinal trauma, and other spinal deformities
From infants to teens—and adults living with childhood-onset conditions—our specialists provide personalized, growth-conscious care for every stage.
Advanced Imaging and Motion Technologies
We use state-of-the-art imaging and modeling tools to guide precise diagnosis and individualized treatment planning:
EOS Imaging: Low-dose, standing or sitting 3D imaging captures the entire spine and lower limbs in a natural posture, minimizing radiation exposure.
3D Modeling and Surgical Planning: Our team creates patient-specific 3D spine models to simulate procedures, refine implant placement, and plan corrections safely and accurately.
Dynamic Digital Radiography: This technology allows us to evaluate how the spine moves in real time, offering a deeper understanding of flexibility and motion.
Spine Motion Analysis Lab: At Nationwide Children’s one-of-a-kind motion lab, we use gait and movement data to study spine alignment, balance, and mobility — helping predict outcomes and personalize treatment.
Surgical Excellence and Innovation
When surgery is needed, families can feel confident knowing their child is in the hands of a dedicated two-surgeon pediatric spine team supported by the safest, most modern technology.
Advanced and Growth-Friendly Techniques
- Growth-Friendly Instrumentation: Adjustable or expandable rods (such as MAGEC or VEPTR) that allow the spine to grow while maintaining correction.
- Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT) and Dynamic Instrumentation: Motion-preserving surgical options for select children and teens.
- Patient-Specific 3D Guides and Personalized Implants: Custom-designed solutions to improve precision and fit.
- Modern Scoliosis Correction Systems using segmental pedicle screw constructs with advanced reduction tools and rod-contouring.
- Surgical Navigation and Intraoperative 3D Imaging: Real-time visualization ensures accurate placement of every implant.
- Intraoperative Neuromonitoring: Performed by in-house specialists to safeguard neurologic function during every surgery.
- Halo Gravity Traction: Sometimes used before complex reconstructions—either inpatient or at home—to gradually and safely improve alignment.
Our approach is based on years of clinical experience, continuous research, and an unwavering commitment to safety and outcomes.
Comprehensive Non-Surgical Care
Not every spine condition requires surgery. Our team takes a whole-child approach, combining innovative non-surgical treatments with physical and psychological support.
Bracing and Orthotics
Our in-house orthotists design and fit braces on-site, using sensor-based monitoring systems connected to cloud platforms—so families and clinicians can track wear time and progress together.
Schroth Method Physical Therapy
Certified scoliosis physical therapists teach posture correction and breathing exercises tailored to each patient’s curve pattern.
Mehta Casting
For very young children with early-onset scoliosis, Mehta casting offers a gentle, growth-friendly correction that can delay or even prevent the need for surgery.
Integrated Multidisciplinary Support
Our team includes orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, physical therapists, psychologists, rehabilitation specialists, and radiologists—all collaborating under one roof.
Emotional and psychological care is a key part of treatment. Our in-house psychology team supports patients in coping with diagnosis, brace wear, and surgery recovery.
Clinic Locations
Spine clinics are held at our Livingston Orthopedics and Surgery Center, a state-of-the-art facility designed for pediatric orthopedics, as well as satellite locations throughout the region for added convenience.
Research and Innovation
Our center is deeply committed to advancing the science of pediatric spine care.
- Participation in the Pediatric Spine Study Group (PSSG) and other national registries helps us compare outcomes and continuously improve care.
- We contribute to the Surgeon Performance Program and quality registries, tracking performance metrics to enhance safety and efficiency.
- Clinical trials and biomechanics research explore new methods for motion preservation, implant design, and imaging-based outcome prediction.
- Our motion analysis and 3D modeling research inform next-generation surgical planning and rehabilitation.
Families treated here directly benefit from innovations pioneered by our research team.
Our Team and Our Partners
Our surgeons are national leaders in pediatric spine deformity care—known for their expertise, research, and compassionate approach. Each case is discussed collaboratively to ensure the safest, most effective treatment for every child.
Our Spine Team Includes:
- Orthopedic Spine Surgeons: Fellowship-trained experts in pediatric deformity and complex reconstruction
- Pediatric Neurosurgeons: Collaborative partners for cases involving spinal cord or neurologic involvement
- Pediatric Anesthesiologists and Neuromonitoring Specialists: Focused on safety and precision
- Rehabilitation, Psychology, and Nursing Teams: Providing seamless care from surgery through recovery
At Nationwide Children’s, your child is never just a case — they are a whole person, cared for by a whole team.
For Referring Physicians
We value partnerships with community and academic physicians across the country. We offer:
- Timely access to consultations and imaging reviews
- Multidisciplinary case discussions for complex deformities
- Coordinated follow-up and shared-care models
- Research collaboration through national study groups
To refer a patient or discuss a case, call (614) 722-5175.
Patient Stories
Every success story is different—but they all share one thing: resilience.
Families from across the country come to Nationwide Children’s for complex spine care, and leave with renewed confidence in their child’s health, growth, and future.
Read our patient stories to see how expert care, advanced technology, and compassion make the difference.
