Dr. Sardar evaluates and treats children and adolescents age 10 and older with scoliosis, kyphosis, and other spinal conditions, with an approach tailored to a growing spine — where remaining growth, skeletal maturity, and long-term planning all shape the right treatment path.
Who This Is For
This practice evaluates patients age 10 and older with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, congenital scoliosis, kyphosis (including Scheuermann’s kyphosis), spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis, and other pediatric spinal conditions. Families are often referred after a school screening, a pediatrician’s exam, or a parent noticing a postural change.
Conditions Treated
- Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
- Congenital scoliosis
- Kyphosis, including Scheuermann’s kyphosis
- Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis in children and adolescents
- Sports-related spine injuries in young athletes
How Evaluation Differs for a Growing Spine
Evaluating a child or adolescent involves more than measuring a curve. Skeletal maturity — assessed using the Risser stage and other growth indicators — is just as important as the Cobb angle itself, since how much growth remains directly affects the risk of progression and the right treatment timeline.
Treatment Options
Most children and adolescents evaluated for scoliosis are managed with observation or bracing. Surgery is reserved for curves that are severe, rapidly progressing, or unresponsive to bracing, and the surgical plan — including the use of growth-sparing techniques where appropriate — is tailored to the child’s remaining growth and curve pattern.
Why Specialized Experience Matters
Treating a growing spine requires planning not just for today’s curve, but for how the spine will continue to develop over the coming years. Surgical and nonsurgical decisions made during adolescence can affect spinal alignment and function for decades, which is why experience specifically in pediatric and adolescent spinal deformity — not general spine care — matters for this age group.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age does this practice treat?
Dr. Sardar evaluates and treats patients age 10 and older, through adolescence and into adulthood.
Does every child with scoliosis need treatment?
No. Many children are simply monitored with periodic X-rays, since most curves are mild and stable. Treatment is added only when the curve and growth pattern support it.
Can my child continue sports during evaluation or treatment?
In most cases, yes. Activity restrictions are uncommon and are discussed individually if they apply to a specific situation.
How is skeletal maturity assessed?
Through the Risser stage on standing X-rays, along with growth history and, additional bone age assessment using hand X-rays.
Should we get a second opinion before starting treatment?
A second opinion is always a reasonable step, particularly if surgery is being recommended or if you’d like additional reassurance about the proposed plan.
Request a Consultation
To schedule a consultation or request a second opinion, call 212-932-5187 or visit the contact page.
This information is educational and is not a substitute for an individualized medical evaluation.
Reviewed by Dr. Zeeshan Sardar, MD, MSc, F.R.C.S.C — Last reviewed: June 2026.