Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Surgery in New York City

Dr. Zeeshan Sardar, MD, MSc, F.R.C.S.C
Director Quality & Patient Safety (QPS) – Och Spine Hospital
Medical Director, Spine Unit – Och Spine Hospital
Co-Chief of Spinal Deformity Surgery • NewYork-Presbyterian / Columbia University
Och Spine Hospital • New York, NY

If your child or teenager has been diagnosed with scoliosis, you are probably searching for answers — and the right surgeon. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common form of spinal deformity in young people, and for most patients it can be monitored or managed without surgery. But when a curve is severe, progressive, or causing symptoms, surgical correction can be life-changing. Dr. Sardar specializes in AIS surgery and has trained under some of the most respected scoliosis surgeons in the world. His goal is always to give you and your family a clear, honest picture of your options.

WHAT IS ADOLESCENT IDIOPATHIC SCOLIOSIS?

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine that develops in otherwise healthy children, typically between the ages of 10 and 18. The term “idiopathic” means the cause is unknown. AIS affects approximately 2–3% of adolescents and is more likely to require treatment in girls than boys, particularly during periods of rapid growth.

The spine curves in an S- or C-shape instead of running straight down the back. In mild cases, the curve may never progress and requires only monitoring. In moderate to severe cases — typically defined as curves greater than 40–45 degrees — surgery is often the recommended treatment to prevent further progression and restore spinal alignment.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

AIS often has no pain in the early stages. Parents and pediatricians typically notice it first during a routine school screening or physical examination. Common signs include:

Uneven shoulders or shoulder blades (one higher than the other)
One hip appearing higher or more prominent than the other
A visible curve or lean to one side when standing
A rib hump visible when bending forward (the Adam’s Forward Bend Test)
Clothes not hanging evenly
In more advanced cases: back pain, fatigue, or difficulty with physical activity

If you or your child’s doctor has noticed any of these signs, an evaluation with a specialist is the appropriate next step. Early detection gives more treatment options and better long-term outcomes.

DIAGNOSIS & EVALUATION

At the initial consultation, Dr. Sardar performs a comprehensive evaluation that includes a thorough physical examination and a detailed review of your imaging. Full-length standing X-rays of the spine (scoliosis series) are used to measure the degree of curvature using the Cobb angle method. Additional factors considered include:

Cobb angle — the standard measurement of curve severity
Skeletal maturity — assessed using bone age and growth indicators such as the Risser sign; curves are more likely to progress in skeletally immature patients
Curve pattern and location — thoracic, thoracolumbar, lumbar, or double major curves each have different treatment implications
Rate of progression — how quickly the curve has changed over recent months
Symptoms — including any pain, neurological symptoms, or functional limitations

Dr. Sardar will walk you through the findings clearly and explain exactly what they mean for your child’s treatment. He will never recommend surgery unless it is the right option for your specific situation.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Observation

For curves under 25 degrees, careful observation with periodic X-rays is typically recommended. The goal is to monitor for progression, especially during periods of rapid growth. Many mild curves never require treatment beyond monitoring.

Bracing

For curves between approximately 25 and 45 degrees in a skeletally immature patient, bracing is often recommended to slow or prevent progression. Bracing does not correct an existing curve — it is designed to hold the curve from worsening until skeletal maturity. The effectiveness of bracing depends significantly on how many hours per day it is worn and how much growth remains.

Surgery

Surgical correction is generally recommended when:

The Cobb angle exceeds 45–50 degrees in a growing patient
The curve is progressing rapidly despite bracing
The curve is causing pain, breathing difficulty, or significant cosmetic concern
Skeletal maturity has been reached and the curve is greater than 50 degrees (curves above this threshold tend to progress in adulthood)

The standard surgical treatment for AIS is a posterior spinal fusion with instrumentation. During this procedure, Dr. Sardar uses a combination of pedicle screws, rods, and bone graft to correct the curvature and fuse the involved vertebrae into a stable, corrected position. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia with continuous intraoperative neuromonitoring to protect spinal cord function throughout the case.

Modern surgical techniques, including robotic-assisted screw placement and real-time 3D imaging, allow for exceptional precision and consistent results. Dr. Sardar uses these tools as standard practice for all his AIS cases.

WHAT TO EXPECT: SURGERY & RECOVERY

AIS surgery is a major but well-established procedure with an excellent safety profile when performed at high-volume centers by experienced surgeons. Here is a general timeline for what patients and families can expect:

Hospital stay: 3–4 days on average. Most patients are walking the day after surgery.
Return to school: Typically 2–4 weeks after surgery, depending on the individual.
Return to light activity: 4–6 weeks.
Return to sports and physical education: Usually 6–12 months, with gradual progression guided by Dr. Sardar.
Restrictions: Contact sports are typically restricted for 12 months. Most activities of daily life are unrestricted within a few months.

Pain management, physical therapy guidance, and activity instructions are provided in detail before and after surgery. Dr. Sardar personally follows every patient through all post-operative visits and is available throughout the recovery process.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Will my child’s scoliosis definitely get worse?

Not necessarily. The risk of progression depends on the size of the curve, the patient’s age, and how much growth remains. Many mild curves (under 25 degrees) stabilize on their own. Dr. Sardar will review your child’s specific measurements and growth indicators to give you an honest assessment of the likelihood of progression.

Can scoliosis be treated without surgery?

Yes, for the majority of patients with AIS. Observation and bracing are effective non-surgical strategies for many children. Surgery is reserved for cases where the curve is severe enough that the long-term risks of leaving it untreated outweigh the risks of the procedure.

Is scoliosis surgery safe?

AIS surgery performed at experienced, high-volume centers has an excellent safety record. Neurological complications are rare (estimated at less than 1% in published literature). Dr. Sardar uses continuous intraoperative neuromonitoring, robotic guidance, and real-time imaging to maximize safety. A candid discussion of risks and benefits is part of every pre-operative consultation.

Will my child be able to play sports after scoliosis surgery?

Most patients return to sports within 6–12 months of surgery. The fused portion of the spine does not flex, but patients can generally resume most athletic activities including swimming, running, gymnastics, and non-contact sports. Contact sports (football, wrestling, hockey) typically require a longer recovery period and individualized clearance.

How long does scoliosis surgery take?

Operating time varies depending on the number of vertebral levels being fused and the complexity of the curve. Most AIS procedures take between 3 and 6 hours. Dr. Sardar will give you a more specific estimate based on your child’s imaging at the pre-operative visit.

Do the metal rods and screws ever need to be removed?

In most cases, the implants are left in place permanently. Once the fusion has healed (typically 12–18 months after surgery), the hardware serves no further mechanical function but causes no harm. Implant removal is occasionally performed if hardware causes symptoms, but this is uncommon.

WHY CHOOSE DR. SARDAR FOR AIS SURGERY

Dr. Sardar completed his advanced spinal deformity fellowship training at Columbia University and NewYork-Presbyterian. This training, combined with Dr. Sardar’s two prior fellowships in orthopedic and neurosurgical spine surgery and disc replacement, gives him an exceptionally broad foundation for treating complex deformity cases.

He operates at the Och Spine Hospital at NewYork-Presbyterian, one of the top-ranked hospitals in the United States, and leads one of the highest-volume spinal deformity programs in New York. He is an active member of the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) and regularly contributes to the research and education that advances the field.

Families travel from across the country and internationally to see Dr. Sardar. Telemedicine consultations are available for patients in NY, NJ, CT, FL, PA, MO, CA, and TX.

This page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute individualized medical advice. Please consult a qualified spine specialist to discuss your child’s specific condition and treatment options.