| Scoliosis & Spine |
Scoliosis Leadership at TSRHC
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children has been caring for children and adolescents with scoliosis since its very early years. Due to its prestigious research efforts and innovative treatment methods, TSRHC has emerged as a leader in spine research. The hospital has treated tens of thousands of children with scoliosis and has significantly improved the care of young patients with spinal deformities throughout Texas, the United States and the world.
Center for Excellence in Spine Research
In 2005, TSRHC established the Sarah M. and Charles E. Seay/Martha and Pat Beard Center for Excellence in Spine Research to determine the cause of scoliosis, study curve progression and improve scoliosis surgical treatments. The center provides a forum for experts from diverse disciplines to collaborate on specific challenges to spinal deformities.
Scoliosis Genetic Research
In April 2007, researchers at TSRHC identified the first gene - CHD7 - associated with idiopathic scoliosis. The gene discovery will allow the medical community to form hypotheses to explain what causes the condition and provide tools for future research.
TSRH® Spinal System and TSRH® SILOTM 5.5 Spinal System
In the mid-1980s, TSRHC researchers developed a segmental spinal instrumentation to treat patients with spinal deformities. It quickly became the most widely used spinal implant system in the world because of its versatility, strength and ease of use. Because the TSRH® Spinal System does not require postoperative bracing or casting, it reduces recovery time before a patient can return to physical activities.
In 2005, TSRHC introduced the TSRH® SILOTM 5.5 Spinal System, a modified design of its original spinal system. The new system offers a side-loading alternative used in trauma, tumor and deformity surgery. Today, more than 2.75 million TSRH® Spinal Systems have been used to treat complex spinal conditions.
Scoliosis Surgical Outcomes Database
Many TSRHC scoliosis patients participate in research studies. The TSRHC Scoliosis Research Database contains information for more than 1,000 participating individuals with idiopathic scoliosis. Information such as age, weight, family history, scoliosis onset and curve progression can easily be compared and linked to clinical laboratory data. The database will ultimately integrate information for at least 2,000 research participants with idiopathic scoliosis in the next three to four years.