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Och Spine Services

Pediatric Spine Care

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Dr. Michael Vitale adjusting child’s MAGEC rods to straighten spine

Learning your child has scoliosis or another spinal disorder can leave you with several concerns. Will he need surgery? Will she be able to play sports? How will this affect their future? 

At Och Spine at NewYork-Presbyterian, we understand your unease. Our pediatric spine specialists are trained to treat children with scoliosis and other spine conditions, using both nonsurgical and surgical approaches tailored to each patient's needs. We have the numbers to back us: Our group cares for the most pediatric spine surgeries in the Greater New York area.*

*Source: SPARCS 2023

Spine conditions we treat

Treatment options

Non-operative care for spine & scoliosis 

Our experts include the best pediatric spine specialists in New York. Before choosing surgery, they evaluate your child to determine if nonsurgical approaches, such as bracing, casts, or physical therapy, may be effective.

  • EOS, Low Dose Xray Machine, for Treatment of Scoliosis
  • Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis- Specific Exercise (PSSE): The Schroth Method
  • Scoliosis Bracing- Highly effective 3-dimentional smart brace. Our research shows that this is much more effective than traditional braces. Around a third of juvenile patients go on to have a permanent decrease in the curve.
  • Scoliosis Casting 

At NewYork Presbyterian Och Spine, we also try to address any mental health issues related to pediatric spine conditions. Our Scoliosis and Youth Mental Health Program is designed to address these issues and ensure your child's mental wellbeing is supported. 

Surgical treatments 

When you come to NewYork-Presbyterian, you can expect the highest level of surgical care. Our patients are treated by a team of specialists from areas including pediatric orthopedics, neurosurgery, physical therapy and pain management. Together, they ensure smooth surgeries with low-pain recovery. 

Recovery time can vary depending on patients and their specific needs. Each patient will receive a care plan tailored to their needs

  • Anterior Vertebral Body Tethering (AVBT)
  • Growing Rods
  • MAGEC (MAGnetic Expansion Control)
  • Spine and Scoliosis Spinal Fusion and Instrumentation
  • VEPTR (Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib)

Why choose us

You’ve come to the right place. 

We care for children from throughout New York, across the country, and worldwide*, ranging from those with the most common types of scoliosis to patients with more complex spinal deformities. In some cases, our treatment can enable better breathing and heart function and improve physical function, comfort, and confidence. 

Our surgeons perform more spine procedures in children than in any other hospital in New York City. We bring unique experience expertise in treating early-onset scoliosis and have introduced fewer invasive approaches for working with these young patients. We are also recognized as a center for helping challenging patients who have had previous surgery that requires additional revision surgical expertise.

*Source: SPARCS 2023

Complex spine surgery helps a teen with congenital kyphoscoliosis stand taller and thrive

Seventeen year old Chinno, born with rare congenital kyphoscoliosis, finally reached Dr. Lenke after limited care options in the Philippines. Across three intricate surgeries, his severely fused spine was safely realigned. Now taller and standing straighter, Chinno is more confident and excited to enjoy life, starting with learning to drive.

Elite gymnast manages scoliosis with bracing and therapy,without stepping away from sport

Elite gymnast Olivia was diagnosed with scoliosis and a stress fracture at 16, threatening her training and Olympic goals. With a custom plan from Dr. Roye including bracing and the Schroth Method, she stabilized her curve, reduced pain, and stayed competitive and avoided surgery. Now 18, she’s thriving and preparing to compete for the University of Missouri.

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Rare muscle disorder shapes teen’s journey and advocacy after care

Greta, a NYC teen with rare nemaline myopathy, pursues dance, music, and advocacy while managing complex medical challenges. Guided by Dr. Vitale through years of innovative scoliosis treatments, she gained stability and comfort. Now she uses her voice to push for inclusion and show that disability doesn’t limit a full, vibrant life.

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