Seeing Scoliosis Differently: Preventing, Innovating and Transforming Lives

By Jean A. Ouellet, M.D., FRCSC, orthopedic surgeon, Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada

In honor of Scoliosis Awareness Month, I want to share an important truth: Scoliosis may not be preventable, but early detection can often prevent surgery. This isn’t just a hopeful message – it’s a reality that can profoundly change a child’s future.

In Canada, roughly 10 million children and teens under the age of 17 are at risk of developing scoliosis. But here’s what I want parents to remember: In most cases, a single specialized consultation is all that’s needed. It offers peace of mind and preventative advice, and often rules out the need for further treatment. The remaining cases require ongoing follow-up – and most of them can still be treated without surgery. Only a small percentage will eventually need surgery.

That’s why I always emphasize the value of early detection – it truly changes outcomes.

For parents, that means subtle signs – uneven shoulders, unusual posture or asymmetry in the back – deserve close attention. For family doctors, it means that early referrals, even when symptoms seem minor, allow us to offer conservative treatment options, like bracing, before curves progress. And when bracing is timely and tailored, it can sometimes fully correct a curve, eliminating the need for surgery altogether.

Innovation and Compassion, Hand in Hand

At Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada, our scoliosis care is built on two essential pillars: innovation and compassion. We treat some of the most complex scoliosis cases in the country – always as a team. From physiotherapists, social workers and nurses to rehabilitation specialists, everyone plays a vital role in guiding the child – and their family – through the journey.

A recent case reminds me of what’s possible when this model is at its best. Alex, a 2-year-old with severe congenital scoliosis, spent 11 weeks in our care after arriving from out of province. His surgery was complex and high-risk, but what stayed with his mother was the way the entire team showed up for them – clinically, emotionally and personally.

“Leaving the hospital on my birthday and Mother’s Day felt incredibly emotional.” said Alex’s mother. “This place felt like a big family. The surgery changed Alex’s life, and we experienced so many meaningful moments here – kindness, fun activities and constant support. We’ll always look back on our time at Shriners with gratitude.”

Changing the Standard of Care

Medicine is constantly evolving, and innovation is what drives my work. Throughout my career, I have developed new surgical approaches while also advancing conservative treatments that can help children avoid surgery altogether. Today, thanks to cutting-edge tools like intraoperative spinal cord monitoring, 3D surgical planning and safer anesthesia protocols, we’re performing procedures that would have been unthinkable 15 years ago.

Technology is empowering families, helping to triage smarter and intervene earlier. When I think of the future of scoliosis care, I admire some of the innovations being made possible thanks to artificial intelligence. It is now possible to use a smartphone camera combined with AI to generate a 3D model of a child’s back – detecting curve progression without the use of X-rays. It’s a breakthrough in remote monitoring and a step toward more personalized care directly from home.

This AI model certainly won’t be something that replaces a doctor or anyone on our care team, but it will be an additional resource we can utilize to inform our care decisions and achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients.

This innovation has the potential to change the game for early scoliosis screening. It empowers families to monitor their child’s spine safely from home and helps clinicians prioritize referrals more effectively. As I often say, “Innovation isn’t about replacing clinical care – it’s about enhancing it and bringing it closer to families.”

Looking Ahead: Straightening Futures with Innovation

The most critical factor in successful conservative scoliosis treatment is timing – catching the condition before or during a child’s peak growth phase. That’s why I always tell parents: Watch for uneven shoulders, changes in posture or a visible curve in the back, especially between the ages of 9 and 14 years old. And if you notice anything unusual, don’t wait. An early consultation can make all the difference.

My goal is to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible – safely, thoughtfully and always with empathy.

At Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada, that’s exactly what we’re doing. With innovation, compassion and world-class expertise, we’re helping children like Alex grow stronger, stand taller and move toward the future with confidence.

This June, let’s raise awareness together. Because the earlier scoliosis is caught, the better the outcome – and sometimes, the most powerful form of care is simply being seen in time.