Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis
The most common cause of low back pain in adolescent athletes that can be seen on X-ray is a stress fracture in one of the bones (vertebrae) that make up the spinal column. Technically, this condition is called spondylolysis ... [... more]
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Back Pain in Children
Back pain in children is not like back pain in adults. Compared to an adult, a child with a backache is more likely to have a serious underlying disorder. This is especially true if the child is 4 years old or younger or if a child of any age has ... [... more]
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Congenital Muscular Torticollis (Wryneck)
Congenital muscular torticollis, also called wryneck, is usually discovered in the first 6 to 8 weeks of life. The infant keeps his or her head tilted to one side and has difficulty turning the head to the opposite side. If the infant is examined ... [... more]
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Kyphosis (Roundback) of the Spine
Some degree of rounded curvature of the spine is normal. The term A visit to the doctor is typically brought on by a scoliosis screening examination at school, a child's or parent's concern about the cosmetic deformity of a rounded back, or ... [... more]
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Scoliosis in Children and Adolescents
Many schools regularly conduct scoliosis screenings of students. These screenings usually occur during the middle school years. If your child receives a referral for scoliosis to a doctor based on the results of a school screening, here are some ... [... more]
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Backpack Safety
Backpacks are a popular and practical way for children and teenagers to carry schoolbooks and supplies. They are designed to distribute the weight of the load among some of the body's strongest muscles. When used correctly, backpacks can be a ... [... more]
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A Patient's Experience with Atlantoaxial Subluxation
Audrey Martin was a normal, happy 5-year-old girl, active in ballet, soccer and gymnastics. Outside of recurring ear infections and occasional snoring, Audrey was in perfect health. Audrey's doctor suspected enlarged adenoids were the cause of ... [... more]
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A Patient's Experience with Scoliosis
Emily Heltman was a lively pre-teen, actively participating in soccer, tennis, swimming, volleyball and track. She enjoyed music, dance and traveling with her family. Emily pursued life with vigor, unaware that she had a potentially dangerous ... [... more]
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A Patient's Experience with Scoliosis - Bracing
Rachel Briggs was a 12-year-old gymnast when her doctor first noticed a slight curvature in her spine during a routine physical. Rachel's doctor referred her to an orthopaedic specialist who diagnosed her with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, an ... [... more]
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Your Orthopaedic Connection: Chordoma
Chordoma is a rare tumor that usually occurs in the spine and base of the skull. It is a malignant tumor that grows fairly slowly. It can spread to other organs, usually the lungs. It represents only about 1 percent of all malignant bone ... [... more]
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Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
The lumbar spine (lower back) provides a foundation to carry the weight of the upper body. It also houses the nerves that control the lower body. With aging, degenerative changes in the spine can occur. The disks between the vertebrae (bones) may ... [... more]
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Cauda Equina Syndrome
Although low back pain is common and usually goes away without surgery, cauda equine syndrome, a rare disorder affecting the bundle of nerve roots (cauda equina) at the lower (lumbar) end of the spinal cord, is a surgical emergency. An extension ... [... more]
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