Pediatric Spine Surgery Specialist

Verma Spine

Board Certified Orthopedic Spine Surgeon Serving Long Beach and Orange County

If your child needs spine surgery, it’s important to know that your surgeon has exceptional skills and experience. That’s exactly what you’ll find in Kushagra Verma, MD, MS, FAAOS, at Verma Spine, serving patients in Los Alamitos, Long Beach, and Orange County, California. Dr. Verma has received advanced training in pediatric surgery, specializes in pediatric spinal deformities such as scoliosis, and is board-certified and a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Additionally, Dr. Verma always provides personalized post-surgical care so he’s there to help during your child’s recovery. To schedule an appointment, call the office or use the online booking feature.

562-732-4578

Pediatric Spine Surgery Q & A

What pediatric spine problems may require surgery?

With few exceptions, such as a severe traumatic injury, the first line of treatment for children’s spine conditions always consists of conservative therapies. Even when you consult with Dr. Verma about spine surgery, he still talks with you about all your treatment options.

If needed, Dr. Verma refers you to the best providers and physical therapists for nonsurgical therapies. He only recommends spine surgery after all other possible treatments have failed to help your child.

A few examples of conditions that may require spine surgery include:

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Early-onset scoliosis
Neuromuscular scoliosis
Kyphosis
Traumatic injuries
Stress fractures
Spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebra)

Adolescent scoliosis is one of the most common conditions Dr. Verma treats with surgery.

When does adolescent scoliosis need surgery?

Adolescent scoliosis, a sideways spinal curvature, appears between the ages of 10-15 years. Treatment begins with bracing, which prevents the curvature from getting worse but doesn’t treat the existing curve.

When the degree of spinal curvature is severe, surgery is needed to stop curve progression and to restore the natural shape of the spine. When scoliosis goes untreated, ongoing progression can cause chronic pain and difficulty breathing.

Dr. Verma performs spinal fusion surgery to correct adolescent scoliosis. During the procedure, he attaches metal implants to the spine, then connects one or two rods to the implants. The rods then hold the spine in its correct position.

What types of pediatric spine surgery do you perform?

During pediatric spine surgery, Dr. Verma uses advanced technology to ensure the highest level of safety and accuracy. Whenever possible, he performs minimally invasive surgery, which significantly minimizes trauma, reduces postoperative pain, and promotes a quicker recovery.

Dr. Verma has extensive experience with today’s latest technology such as real-time CT scans and computer-assisted spine surgery. Computer-assisted spine surgery uses digital imaging and advanced tools to quickly and accurately place the orthopedic hardware needed to stabilize or straighten your child’s spine.

As an expert in pediatric spine surgery, Dr. Verma has experience in many types of surgeries. These are a few examples of procedures he frequently performs:

Traditional growing rod placement
Magnetically controlled growing rod
Spinal fusion for scoliosis
Vertebral column resection
Pedicle subtraction osteotomy
Complex spinal deformity surgery

Dr. Verma thoroughly explains your child’s procedure, answers your questions, and encourages you to get a second opinion so you can confidently make the best decision for your child.

If you need to learn more about pediatric spine surgery, call Verma Spine or schedule a consultation online.

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