Pediatric Spine Clinic

The clinic is designed to address all types of spinal problems in children, ranging from spinal deformities, scoliosis, congenital spinal issues from birth to adolescence, various back pains, spinal growths, trauma-related conditions, spinal injuries, and back pains in children. Specifically, it deals with spinal deformities, scoliosis, and kyphosis.

The clinic operates on a referral basis, with doctors referring children who they suspect may have spinal issues. Often, children come with existing imaging, but if not, they undergo imaging here. A physical examination is performed, and based on the findings, we decide on the appropriate treatment, which may range from conservative management to surgical intervention.

The focus is on preserving proper growth in children.

We collaborate with various departments in the hospital, including Neurology, Pediatric Orthopedics, Pediatric Triage, and Maternity.

Furthermore, we have strong international connections with colleagues, maintaining continuous consultation on complex cases. We also actively participate in academic activities both locally and globally to enhance our understanding and treatment of spinal conditions.

Tips for maintaining your child's back health:

Every year, thousands of parents seek to equip their children with the necessary tools for effective learning. When choosing a desk, chair, and backpack, orthopedic considerations are crucial. Which option will provide the best support for your child's back or, at the very least, cause the least harm?

Let's dispel the myth right from the start - there are few effects that the type of activity, nature of the activity, and its performance have on the structure of the spine and its growth. Sitting is also an activity, but an uncomfortable chair or a heavy backpack will rarely cause scoliosis or a herniated disc. However, activity has a significant impact on the stability and function of the muscles. Lack of use leads to weakness and improper muscle function, which is the root cause of most problems. It is essential to encourage children to participate in sports and engage in physical activities in the afternoon and on weekends to develop core muscles and maintain proper body posture.

There is no such thing as an orthopedic chair. A good chair should provide support for the back, especially in the lower part, and the child should be able to reach the floor with their feet (a footrest can be used if necessary). The computer screen should be positioned at eye level and not at an angle. However, the main problem is not the sitting position in front of the computer but the duration of sitting. Children spend most of their day sitting, whether in front of the computer or in class, and hardly move their bodies. Even just playing outside with friends contributes to body movement and muscle strengthening.

Orthopedic backpacks also do not exist. A good backpack should be comfortable and have padded shoulder straps. However, here too, the main problem is not the backpack itself but its content. Carrying heavy schoolbooks, which can sometimes weigh half of the child's weight, can lead to pain. Instead of buying expensive backpacks and overloading them with unnecessary items, it is advisable to arrange lockers at school or team up children in pairs so that each one carries only half of the required books. Collaboration with the education system can create real change in children's learning tools.

A trolley backpack is a good idea for a child who needs to carry a heavy load, and contrary to common belief, it does not harm the child's body from dragging the backpack with one hand. However, using such a backpack often leads to unnecessary overload, so it is essential to pay attention to that.

Regardless of the above, it is recommended to take your child for an orthopedic examination around the ages of 10 to 12 to rule out scoliosis. As mentioned earlier, scoliosis is not caused by incorrect posture or sitting, and the reason for its development is often unclear. However, the deformity usually begins to appear at the beginning of adolescence when skeletal growth accelerates, making it the recommended time for screening.