Patient Login       Pay My Bill       Careers       Locations       (225) 766-0050

Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge
Bone & Joint Staff • February 27, 2018
Diagnosing and Treating Pediatric Scoliosis in Baton Rouge

The human body is magnificently structured with each organ, bone and system having a very specific purpose. When all works together as it should, the body is capable of incredible feats, but when even one single element is out of sorts, a myriad of problems can arise. This is particularly true in conditions that affect the spine.


The spine and its 33 individual vertebrae serve as scaffolding for the body, as well as a major information hub, sending nerve signals to and from the brain and all other parts of the body. Every movement made is the result of the spine doing its job, but when impacted by a condition such as scoliosis, each action can become increasingly difficult and painful. In severe cases or those left untreated, later complications to the lungs and heart may even result.


Diagnosing Scoliosis in Baton Rouge Children

In children with normal spine development, the back bone appears straight. However, in up to 3 percent of children (primarily teenage girls), the presence of scoliosis leads to a curvature in the spine that resembles an S or C shape. According to The Scoliosis Research Society, any such curvature measuring 10 degrees or more establishes a diagnosis of scoliosis.


Tests to determine if a child’s condition does in fact meet the requirements for diagnosis are relatively simple. These include physical examinations such as the Adam’s forward bend test and imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans or MRI. Once this diagnosis has been reached, the most appropriate treatment options can begin to be explored. Based on factors such as a child’s age and overall health, as well as the extent and expected progression of the condition, one or more of the following three treatment options will be used:


Observation as Scoliosis Treatment

For children who are young and whose degree of curvature is considered mild (less than 25 degrees), treatment will likely begin with regular observation and examination. How greatly the curve progresses and which, if any, follow-up treatments are needed will depend on the amount of skeletal growth until puberty, when curvature slows or stops entirely.


Bracing as Scoliosis Treatment

In cases where more skeletal growth is to come and the curvature of the spine exceeds 25 degrees, bracing is the likely next step. These braces are rigid and designed to help impede continued curving of the spine. There are several types of scoliosis braces, but all fall into one of two main categories: full-time and nighttime. Which particular type of brace is recommended depends largely on both the physician and patient. However, many physicians select full-time bracing in the case of double curves or curvatures that exceed 35 degrees.


Surgical Intervention for Scoliosis

In severe cases of scoliosis where the curve exceeds 45 degrees and bracing has not been effective, surgical intervention may be necessary to decrease the severity of the curve and to prevent it from worsening. During the surgery, the curved vertebrae of the spine are realigned and fused together with the use of bone grafts and metal rods. As the spine heals, these vertebrae will gradually heal into one solid bone. While the degree to which the curvature can be safely corrected will vary from one patient to the next, the majority of those undergoing spinal fusion will be left with a spinal curve that is less than 25 degrees and that is largely unnoticeable.


If your child has been diagnosed with scoliosis or if you suspect that they may have the condition, contact Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge, and request a consultation with Dr. Michael Frierson. Dr. Frierson has has the experience to diagnose and treat pediatric scoliosis in Baton Rouge and has been board-certified in orthopedic surgery since 1996 and is a well-respected specialist in the fields of pediatric orthopedics and scoliosis treatment. Together, you can discuss your concerns, your child’s condition and symptoms, and develop the most effective, specialized treatment plan possible.

DOWNLOAD SCOLIOSIS PATIENT KIT
The Signs and Symptoms of a Torn Meniscus

The Signs and Symptoms of a Torn Meniscus

By The Bone & Joint Clinic Staff • February 11, 2025
Damage to the meniscus, which serves as a cushion between the thigh and shin bones, can cause severe pain and impair movement.
Understanding the Most Common Types of Arthritis and Managing It at Different Life Stages

Understanding the Most Common Types of Arthritis and Managing It at Different Life Stages

By The Bone & Joint Clinic Staff • January 31, 2025
While it is often associated with aging, arthritis can affect individuals at any stage of life. Understanding the different types of arthritis and how to manage them at various life stages is key to maintaining a high quality of life.

Bone & Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge Physician Practice Transition – Effective April 1, 2025

By Bone and Joint Clinic Staff • January 30, 2025
BATON ROUGE, LA, January 30, 2025 – Effective April 1, 2025, four distinguished orthopedic surgeons from The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will transition to Baton Rouge Orthopedic Clinic (BROC), continuing their commitment to providing high-quality orthopedic care. The physicians joining BROC are: 1. Joseph "Jeb" Broyles, MD – Specializes in joint replacement surgery, knee arthroscopy, and cartilage regeneration. 2. Arthur "Art" Hess, MD – Specializes in trauma, hip, knee, and shoulder reconstruction, and total joint replacement surgery. 3. Mat hew "Matt" Mazoch, M D – Specializes in shoulder and knee surgery. 4. Alan Schroeder, MD – Specializes in sports medicine and shoulder surgery. Beginning April 1, 2025, these physicians will operate under BROC's umbrella while continuing to see patients at The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge's current location, 7301 Hennessy Blvd. Eventually, the doctors plan to transition to BROC's campus on Bluebonnet Blvd. The estimated timeline for that move is Summer/Fall 2025. In addition, Dr. Patrick Hall will be transitioning to his own practice, Hall Podiatry, that will continue to provide quality podiatric care to patients. Dr. Hall will continue to practice at 7301 Hennessy Blvd. until May/June 2025. After that date, patients may see him at a new nearby location. Dr. Zachary Rohr and Christopher Belleau will also transition their practice to a new location effective March 31, 2025. We will update our patients once those details are finalized. Dr. Gerard Murtagh of The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will be retiring effective March 2025. Dr. Murtagh has been a vital part of the clinic since 1988 and has significantly contributed to its success. We thank Dr. Murtagh for his many years of service to the patients of Bone & Joint Clinic. Patients are encouraged to continue scheduling appointments at The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge using the current process for the foreseeable future. To ensure a seamless transition, The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will provide detailed information to patients in the coming weeks, including the secure transfer of medical records and continuity of care. The health and well-being of patients remain the top priority, and The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge, BROC, and Hall Podiatry are working together to make this transition as smooth as possible while maintaining uninterrupted care. For more information or to schedule an appointment, patients can contact The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge at 225-766-0050 or by visiting bjcbr.com . Patients can also reach BROC at 225-924-2424 or by visiting brortho.com .
VIEW ALL BLOGS
Share by: