Scoliosis Research - Cerebral Spinal Fluid

We are a comprehensive center that offers evaluation, imaging, pain management, physical therapy, and surgical intervention all in one convenient location.

One of our specialties is the diagnosis and treatment of scoliosis. It is estimated that five percent of the population has scoliosis. The etiology is unknown and early scoliosis research grant detection and treatment is vital for a successful long-term outcome. For more information about detection and non-surgical and surgical treatment of scoliosis click here.

Recently, I was awarded the prestigious Cotrel Foundation grant for research into the etiology of idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents.

Scoliosis Research
	We are a comprehensive center that offers evaluation, imaging, pain management, physical therapy, and surgical intervention all in one convenient location. One of our specialties is the diagnosis and treatment of scoliosis. It is estimated that five percent of the population has scoliosis. The etiology is unknown and early detection and treatment is vital for a successful long-term outcome. For more information about detection and non-surgical and surgical treatment of scoliosis click here. Recently, I was awarded the prestigious Cotrel Foundation grant for research into the etiology of idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents.
	I am studying the flow of the Cerebral Spinal Fluid in the apex and concave of the curvature in patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. Patients are followed through their growing years. The goal is to measure the rate of the CSF Flow and correlate it with the progression of the scoliotic curvature. In a small study sample, we have found that the CSF flow is greater on the apex side of the concave. The hypothesis is that subtle cord physiology changes produce muscle changes which influence curvature and the degree of the curvature progression. To review the Apex/Concave CSF Flow in Idiopathic Scoliosis study, click here.
	Patients who are recruited into this study will receive grant funded magnet resonance imaging evaluation of their spine in order to measure the CSF flow. To date, no radiation risks have been reported with MRI scans. The evolution of surgical treatment; new instrumentation and improved techniques of spinal cord monitoring including motor evoked potential's, are utilized at our institution to ensure the highest chance of correction without neurologic complications. This evolution allows the surgeon to correct curvatures which were never possible with older techniques, such as using Harrington rods. An example of the type of corrections we can achieve is illustrated in figure 2.
	The improved spinal correction equates to better cosmetic results, less chance of revision surgery, and better overall spinal balance. Because the fixation is internal and stabilized, postoperative bracing is rarely indicated. If you would like more information about the inclusion criteria for this study, or would like to refer a patient with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis for evaluation and treatment, please call 310-423-9986 or email me.
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