Pediatric Spine Surgery
Leading Pediatric Orthopedic Spine Surgery for Kids
At Nemours Children’s we understand the decision for your child to get spine surgery is not made lightly. The trust you place in us is a major part of the process. We don’t take that lightly either.
Our pediatric spine surgeons are part of top ranked orthopedic centers in centers in Delaware and Florida and lead comprehensive Scoliosis & Spine Care programs just for kids and teens. You can feel confident knowing your child has access to the most advanced treatments and groundbreaking surgical techniques right here.
Nemours surgeons are recognized around the world for treating the most challenging spine conditions, from correcting common curves to cervical spine (neck area) injuries, and spine reconstruction in kids with complex medical needs. We’ve pioneered approaches that are minimally invasive, which may mean smaller cuts and a faster recovery. Our commitment to surgical innovation is backed by research leadership in spine care in kids.
Every part of our surgical care is designed with your child’s safety and comfort in mind. We have state-of-the-art operating facilities, specialized post-operative services, and recovery programs designed for healing. With a whole team and system of support, we guide your family through with care and compassion.
Our Services
Our orthopedic spine surgeons have the highest level of expertise in the most complex spine conditions. Highlights of our spine surgery care include:
- Team-based collaboration among specialists who are experts in complex orthopedic spine conditions such as scoliosis, skeletal dysplasia, neuromuscular disorders, hip problems, cervical spine conditions, and more.
- Coordinated care led by a nurse with experience helping families navigate the journey from diagnostics through surgery and recovery, who teaches you everything about the care of your child.
- Advanced pre-surgical planning, including state-of-the-art low dose, 3D EOS imaging, innovative methods for precise measurements and placement, and 3D-printed modelling.
- Operating facilities with the latest technologies and equipment for improved accuracy and monitoring, managed by expert pediatric spine surgery teams.
- Post surgery care and support, including enhanced recovery programs in Delaware specific to orthopedic spine surgery.
- Targeted spine rehabilitation therapies from physical and occupational therapists who know how spine surgery affects a child.
- Support services from a whole team to help find resources, coping support, financial assistance, and more.
- Ronald McDonald Houses nearby for budget-friendly family lodging if you’re traveling from out of town.
- Services for international families, including assistance with planning and travel, language and cultural support, and more.
Pediatric Spine Surgery Expertise
When spine surgery is needed, we carefully assess each child and develop a plan based on age, growth potential, condition, and overall health. We lay out all the options and information you need, and help you make the best choices based on your child’s and family’s goals and wishes. Depending on your child’s condition, we may recommend:
This well-established procedure with advancements permanently corrects spine curvatures with specialized rods and screws. We offer:
- Robot-assisted and computer-navigated screw placement for enhanced safety.
- Advanced rod-contouring technology for better curve correction.
- Specialized bone grafting options, minimizing the need for other surgeries.
- Improved fixation methods for better long-term outcomes.
- Innovative implant materials for faster healing.
- Advanced neurologic monitoring systems to better detect changes.
Learn more about spine fusion surgery from the experts at Nemours KidsHealth®.
Whenever possible, we use advanced methods that need smaller cuts. This may mean a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery. We offer:
- High-definition cameras for detailed internal views.
- Robotic assisted surgical guidance.
- Advanced muscle sparing approaches.
- Real-time 3D navigation technology for better precision.
- Smaller, specially engineered implant materials.
These special rods allow for continued growth and development for young children. They require lengthening as a child grows. We offer:
- Traditional growing rods adjusted with periodic lengthening surgery.
- MAGEC® magnetic growing rods, adjusted during office visits.
- Remote rod function monitoring.
- Modified anchor points to allow for growth.
- Hybrid rod systems that use different technologies.
- Custom rod designs for complex spine curvature.
This motion-preserving procedure uses flexible cords and a child’s remaining growth to gradually improve spine alignment. We offer:
- Cord materials that have improved strength and longevity.
- Advanced tensioning systems for better control.
- Specialized imaging for more precise anchor placement.
- Enhanced, computerized surgical planning.
- Advanced modifications for different types of curves.
- Innovative approaches for complex, double curvatures.
We perform advanced procedures for challenging spine conditions, like surgical revisions, neuromuscular spine conditions and combined front and back approaches. We offer:
- 3D-printed custom implants for better outcomes.
- Advanced osteotomy techniques, or carefully planned cuts, to enhance spine flexibility.
- Innovative approaches to vertebral column resection (removing severely affected bones).
- Special instrumentation for complex deformities.
- Combined, minimally invasive approaches for fewer procedures and faster healing.
The cervical spine (neck area) requires specialized care because of its unique anatomy and growth patterns. We have extensive expertise in congenital (present at birth) and acquired (happens over time) cervical spine conditions. We offer:
- Specialized pediatric imaging methods.
- Intraoperative neuromonitoring capabilities.
- 3D surgical planning.
- Custom-sized implant devices.
Our team adapts surgical methods and approaches for children with conditions that affect the muscles and nerves, like cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and other complex disorders. We offer:
- Innovative fixation options for soft bone.
- Modified, growth-friendly systems.
- Specialized positioning equipment.
- Custom implant solutions.
- Advanced approaches to pelvic fixation.
Two Leading Pediatric Orthopedic Centers
Nemours provides advanced care for newborns, children, teens, and young adults with the full range of orthopedic conditions, including complex spine disorders, neuromuscular conditions, sports injuries, and rare disorders affecting bone growth. Learn more about our extensive care and research.
“Dr. Khoury and his entire staff have been amazing since day one. On surgery day everyone was extremely knowledgeable, attentive, kind and overly-accommodating, to Avyn and to us.”
“They work so hard and help your child in any way they can. I can’t say enough great things about them all! I’m beyond thankful for everyone who has helped Carter along his journey!”
"Dr. Gabos looked me in the eye and talked with me, answering all of my questions. I trusted him and I knew he would take care of me."
“Nemours is the best place for cases like ours. If you’re facing challenges similar to ours, don’t hesitate — take action and seek the expert care available at Nemours.”
- Avyn
- Carter
- Anna
- Alek
Conditions & Treatments
We see many conditions that may require spine surgery — far too many to list here. The conditions we treat vary depending on the location and providers selected. Don’t see a condition listed? Call us.
Related Specialties & Programs
Comprehensive Approach to Pediatric Spine Surgery in Florida
Our Florida pediatric spine surgeons work closely with families to understand the surgical plan, recovery process and expected outcomes. Our team includes surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and rehabilitation specialists who partner for your child’s surgery success.
Our team includes experts who treat the full range of spine conditions in children and teens, including congenital scoliosis in infants and toddlers.
Your child’s care is informed by active research, and we share our expertise with the medical community.
We perform spine procedures at convenient locations in Central Florida, Northeast Florida and Northwest Florida. We also offer follow-up video visits.
We’ve created a vibrant community of support, connecting families along the same journey for inspiration, hope and shared learning.
Meet Our Spine Surgery Team in Florida <<NEED LISTS
Our surgeons are at the forefront of their fields. They work tirelessly to improve the quality of life for children and teens with spine conditions.
Comprehensive Approach to Pediatric Spine Surgery in Delaware Valley
Our Delaware Valley pediatric spine surgeons work closely with families to understand the surgical plan, recovery process and expected outcomes. Our surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and rehabilitation specialists partner for your child’s surgery success.
Our Orthopedic Center is ranked among the top 10 in the country by U.S. News & World Report. You get the latest spine surgery options, and everything your child needs, in one place.
We were one of the first pediatric hospitals in the country to use the innovative “MAGnetic Expansion Control” (MAGEC®) technology, greatly reducing the number of surgeries a child may need.
We offer enhanced recovery programs that help kids heal better after surgery without excessive narcotic pain medication which has harmful side effects.
Your child’s care is informed by active research, and we share our expertise with the medical community as educators and speakers.
Our team has extensive expertise treating spine problems that result from complex conditions, like neuromuscular disorders, skeletal dysplasia, and others.
Meet Our Delaware Valley Pediatric Spine Surgery Team <<PLEASE CHECK TEAM; THIS IS PULLING FROM EPIC AND DIFFERS FROM OUR LIST IN THE DOCUMENT
Our surgeons are at the forefront of their fields. They work tirelessly to improve the quality of life for children and teens with spine conditions.
Unique Programs Focused on Healing
Nemours Orthopedic Center in Delaware Valley offers Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) for kids recovering from orthopedic surgery. This evidence-based program focuses on enhancing safety, healing, and outcomes through every stage of your child’s surgical journey.
ERAS includes principles that reduce surgical stress, limit opioid use for pain, and promote early movement after surgery. We use methods like regional anesthesia, minimally invasive surgical approaches, and nutrition to build strength and support healing. ERAS often means shorter hospital stays, reduced complication rates, and quicker return to normal activities.
Comprehensive Approach to Pediatric Spine Surgery
Nemours spine surgeons work closely with families to understand the surgical plan, recovery process, and expected outcomes. Our surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and rehabilitation specialists partner for your child’s surgery success.
Our Orthopedic Centers are ranked among the top in the country by U.S. News & World Report. You get the latest spine surgery options, and everything your child needs, in one place.
Nemours was one of the first pediatric hospitals in the country to use the innovative “MAGnetic Expansion Control” (MAGEC®) spine-straightening technology. This greatly reduces the number of surgeries a child may need.
Your child’s care is informed by active research, and we share our expertise with the medical community as educators and speakers.
Our team has extensive expertise treating spine problems that result from complex conditions, like neuromuscular disorders, skeletal dysplasia, and scoliosis.
Meet Our Spine Surgery Team at Nemours <<ADD FL LISTS WHEN RECEIVED
Our specialists are at the forefront of their fields. They work tirelessly to improve the quality of life for children and teens with spine problems.
Convenient Follow-Up Appointments by Video
We offer follow-up appointments through scheduled, live video visits. You can avoid waiting rooms and save travel time. Ask your doctor if this is an option for your family.