Nationally Ranked Care, Trusted by Families Everywhere
When your child is diagnosed with scoliosis, there’s no such thing as a small decision. That’s why families across the country turn to Rady Children’s Health. We specialize in pediatric spine care, focusing on minimally invasive approaches that are always personalized with care shaped by their spine, stage of growth, and family needs. Led by world-renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Peter Newton, our team brings confidence, compassion, and clarity to every treatment plan.
- #5 in Pediatric Orthopedics – U.S. News & World Report
- Pioneers in minimally invasive thoracoscopic surgery
- 3D modeling for precision planning
- Specialized pediatric care
- Dedicated scoliosis care tailored to growing bodies
What Scoliosis Treatment Looks Like at Rady Children’s Health
We offer advanced, personalized care through our dedicated scoliosis clinic, especially for children preparing for surgery. Our team provides expert guidance, clarity, and compassion from the first consultation to post-operative recovery. Every decision is made with your child’s unique needs in mind, helping families move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
What Sets Rady Children’s Health Apart?
Personalized Care Plans – We care for patients at every point in their journey. From early detection to complex procedures, each plan is built around your child’s age, curvature, and goals.
Minimally Invasive Approach – We prioritize low-impact approaches when possible. Our care includes 3D surgical planning, thoracoscopic techniques, and collaborative planning across disciplines—always focused on what’s best for your child.
Innovative Surgical Interventions – At Rady Children’s Health, we offer spinal growth tethering, fusion, and growth-sparing techniques that allow children to grow, move, and thrive alongside their scoliosis treatment.
Whether you’re exploring options or already have a care plan, we’re here to provide clarity, expert insight, and the right next step.
Not Sure What Comes Next? We Can Help.
Worried you’re being rushed into treatment or still unsure what your child’s diagnosis really means? At Rady Children’s Health, our team meets you with clarity and care. We provide expert, minimally invasive guidance so you can move forward with trust and confidence.
Common Reasons to Seek a Second Opinion
- You were told spinal fusion is your only option
- Your child’s curve is progressing
- Your child is still growing
- Your child has early-onset scoliosis
- You’re seeking the least invasive path forward
- You want more confidence in your next step
Real Families. Real Results.
Veronica was a typical 11-year-old who loved drawing and being with her friends. You wouldn’t know she had scoliosis. But as her symptoms worsened and her posture began to shift, her family grew increasingly alarmed. What started as subtle changes turned into signs they could no longer ignore. They needed clarity, not just answers.
Dr. Newton met Veronica with comfort and certainty. “He didn’t see her as just another case,” her parents shared. “She was a child—someone he was caring for.”
With precise imaging, minimally invasive care, and a team that listened, they built a plan just for her. Today, she stands taller, stronger, and ready for what’s next.
A Focus on Youth Shapes Next-Generation Spinal Surgery
Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego has recruited a prominent surgeon-researcher within its Orthopedics & Scoliosis program to advance knowledge of the genetic and biomechanical factors behind scoliosis.
Climbing Higher After Tethering
When 14-year-old Finn McCool climbed Mt. Whitney in a single day last summer, it was quite an accomplishment — and not just because of his age. Thanks to innovative spinal surgery, Finn hiked 22 miles up the mountain and back with his father and siblings.
Your Child’s Spine. Our Life’s Work.
Dr. Peter Newton is surgeon-in-chief at Rady Children’s Health and a world-renowned pediatric orthopedic surgeon. With over 200 research publications and decades of experience, his leadership shapes every aspect of our physician-led program. Families come to us for clarity and confidence, especially when the diagnosis is complex or uncertain.
Ranked #5 nationally in Pediatric Orthopedics by U.S. News & World Report for 2024–2025, we bring deep expertise to every case, led by spine specialists focusing solely on pediatric care. From mild curves to rare spine conditions, Dr. Newton and our team are here to help you feel confident in your child’s care.
How to Get Started
Getting an expert opinion from Rady Children’s Health is simple and flexible, with options that meet your family’s needs. From virtual consults to in-person visits, we make it easy to start the process, with no pressure to begin treatment right away.
- Fill out our brief intake form: You’ll share basic contact info and your child’s diagnosis (if available).
- Connect with a scoliosis care coordinator: Our team will follow up directly to clarify your needs and work with you to gather your child’s medical records so they can set up an consultation for you.
- Receive personalized recommendations: Our specialists will reach out for next steps that might include a virtual consult, in-person visit, or continued monitoring.
You’re not signing up for surgery — you’re starting a conversation.
Your Child’s Care, No Matter Where You Are
At Rady Children’s Health, we support families who travel from across the country and worldwide with care that starts well before your first appointment. We help coordinate lodging, provide local travel resources, and connect you with staff who can walk you through every step.
Take the Next Step with Confidence
Dr. Newton and the Rady Children’s Health team are here to guide your family forward, whether you’re looking for a second opinion or already navigating care. Our minimally invasive approach, national recognition, and family-first care model are here when it matters most.