Dr. Baron Lonner is an a best in class early onset scoliosis orthopedic spine surgery specialists with offices in NYC (Manhattan) and Long Island (Great Neck).
Early Onset Scoliosis (EOS) refers to scoliosis that develops before the age of 10. Because children in this age group still have significant spinal and lung growth remaining, early diagnosis and specialized treatment are critical to preventing severe spinal deformity and protecting normal chest and lung development.
At Scoliosis & Spine Associates, Dr. Baron Lonner is internationally recognized for treating complex pediatric spinal deformities. Dr. Lonner is considered one of the best scoliosis surgeons in NYC, a leading pediatric orthopedic spine surgeon in New York, and a trusted scoliosis specialist serving Manhattan, Great Neck, Long Island, the surrounding Tri-State area, Dr. Lonner offers advanced non-operative and surgical treatments designed to preserve spinal growth while achieving the best possible long-term outcomes. Dr. Lonner treats patients from throughout the entire world.
Every child receives a personalized treatment plan based on age, diagnosis, spinal growth, curve progression, and overall health.
First and foremost, I am pleased to meet Dr. Lonner as he and his team welcomed us with dignity and respect at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Manhattan. Dr. Lonner is renowned for his advanced surgical techniques, and his patients often report a quick and smooth recovery with minimal complications. He is also highly respected within the medical community, where he is recognized as a leader in his field, regularly presenting his research and techniques at conferences and seminars. As a highly skilled and experienced spinal surgeon, Dr. Lonner is known for his outstanding patient care and successful treatment outcomes.
Dr. Lonner has undoubtedly displayed exceptional professionalism, empathy, and expertise throughout my son’s treatment journey. He took the time to listen to our concerns and provided detailed explanations of my son’s diagnosis and treatment options, ensuring we were fully informed and comfortable with the care plan. He is an exceptional and extraordinary surgeon with such modesty and professionalism; he referred us to move along our treatment journey with non-surgical treatment options, which we thought he would recommend otherwise in the first place.
In short, I highly recommend Dr. Baron Lonner for his exceptional skills, caring demeanor, and successful treatment outcomes. My son could not be in better hands, and I am confident that he will receive the highest level of care under Dr. Lonner’s expert guidance. When you have an adolescent son who is recently diagnosed with scoliosis, you don’t need to search and lose time to find a surgeon whereas Dr. Lonner is a true gem in this field, so you can get the best treatment and care. ~ Google
What Is Early Onset Scoliosis?
Early Onset Scoliosis (EOS) is defined as any spinal curvature diagnosed before a child’s tenth birthday. Unlike adolescent scoliosis, EOS develops during a critical period of spinal, rib cage, and lung development.
Without appropriate treatment, severe early onset scoliosis can interfere with normal lung growth, reduce pulmonary function, and lead to lifelong health problems.
Types of Early Onset Scoliosis
Early onset scoliosis is not one single condition. It includes several different diagnoses, each requiring individualized treatment.
Infantile Idiopathic Scoliosis
Develops between birth and 3 years of age.
Many infantile curves improve spontaneously with observation, while others progress rapidly and require casting, bracing, or surgery.
Juvenile Idiopathic Scoliosis
Occurs between ages 3 and 10.
Juvenile scoliosis has a much greater likelihood of progression because children still have many years of growth remaining.
Early treatment often prevents severe deformity later in childhood.
Results from vertebrae that did not develop normally before birth.
Treatment depends on the type of vertebral abnormality and the child’s growth potential.
Neuromuscular Scoliosis
Occurs in children with conditions such as:
- Cerebral palsy
- Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
- Muscular dystrophy
- Spina bifida
These children often require specialized multidisciplinary care.
Syndromic Scoliosis
EOS may also occur in children with genetic syndromes including:
- Marfan syndrome
- Neurofibromatosis
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- Prader-Willi syndrome
Management focuses on both the spinal deformity and the child’s underlying medical condition.
Causes of Early Onset Scoliosis
Depending on the type, scoliosis may result from:
- Unknown (idiopathic) causes
- Congenital vertebral abnormalities
- Neuromuscular disorders
- Genetic syndromes
- Connective tissue disorders
In many children, particularly those with idiopathic scoliosis, no specific cause can be identified.
Signs and Symptoms
Parents should watch for:
- Uneven shoulders
- Uneven hips
- Rib prominence
- Leaning to one side
- Visible spinal curve
- Poor posture
- Difficulty sitting upright
- Delayed motor milestones in some children
Unlike adults, most young children experience little or no pain.
Why Early Diagnosis Is So Important
Children under ten have tremendous remaining spinal growth.
If scoliosis progresses unchecked, it may:
- Become significantly more severe
- Restrict normal lung development
- Cause chest wall deformity
- Lead to reduced pulmonary function later in life
Early evaluation allows physicians to begin treatment while preserving growth whenever possible.
Diagnosing Early Onset Scoliosis
A comprehensive evaluation includes:
- Medical History
- Pregnancy history
- Birth history
- Developmental milestones
- Family history
- Previous imaging
- Physical Examination
Evaluation includes:
- Posture
- Shoulder balance
- Pelvic alignment
- Rib prominence
- Neurological examination
- Walking pattern
- Imaging Studies
Depending on the child’s age, imaging may include:
- Standing spinal X-rays
- Angle measurements
- MRI
- CT scan (when indicated)
- EOS low-dose imaging
Children with congenital scoliosis may also undergo heart and kidney evaluations because congenital vertebral abnormalities can occur alongside abnormalities in other organ systems.
Whenever possible, treatment focuses on controlling the curve while allowing continued spinal growth.
Observation
Many mild curves are monitored every 4–6 months.
Careful follow-up helps detect progression before significant deformity develops.
Mehta Casting (Serial Casting)
For selected infants with progressive scoliosis, specialized body casting can sometimes correct or significantly delay progression.
Casting may eliminate the need for surgery in some children diagnosed very early.
Scoliosis Bracing
Bracing is commonly recommended for juvenile scoliosis and selected cases of infantile scoliosis.
Braces cannot cure scoliosis but often slow progression during growth.
Physical Therapy
Individualized therapy may improve:
- Core strength
- Balance
- Flexibility
- Postural control
- Overall function
- When Is Surgery Necessary?
Surgery may be recommended when:
- Curves continue progressing despite casting or bracing
- Severe deformity threatens lung development
- Curves become very large
- Significant spinal imbalance develops
The goal is to delay definitive spinal fusion for as long as safely possible while allowing continued spinal and chest growth.
Advanced Early Onset Scoliosis Surgery in New York (Manhattan & Long Island)
Dr. Baron Lonner specializes in growth-preserving surgical techniques that allow children to continue growing while controlling severe scoliosis.
Treatment options include:
Growing Rod Surgery
Growing rods are implanted to straighten the spine while allowing continued growth.
The rods are lengthened periodically as the child grows.
This technique has dramatically improved outcomes for children with severe EOS.
MAGEC® Magnetic Growing Rods
For selected patients, magnetically controlled growing rods allow outpatient lengthening using an external magnetic device rather than repeated surgeries.
Potential benefits include:
- Fewer operations
- Less anesthesia exposure
- Improved comfort
- Continued spinal growth
- Better quality of life
Not every child is a candidate, and treatment decisions are individualized.
Growth-Friendly Surgical Techniques
Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may also include:
- Traditional growing rods
- Growth guidance systems
- VEPTR® (Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib)
- Limited spinal fusion when appropriate
Each procedure is designed to maximize spinal growth while minimizing deformity progression.
Recovery and Long-Term Follow-Up
Children with EOS require ongoing monitoring throughout growth.
Our team follows patients closely to evaluate:
- Spinal growth
- Lung development
- Implant function
- Curve progression
- Overall health
Long-term follow-up is one of the most important components of successful treatment.
Why Families Choose Dr. Baron Lonner
Families from Manhattan, Great Neck, Long Island, New York City, Westchester, New Jersey, Connecticut, throughout the United States and The World trust Dr. Baron Lonner for the treatment of early onset scoliosis because of his extensive experience caring for children with complex spinal deformities.
Our practice offers:
- Board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon
- Internationally recognized pediatric scoliosis specialist
- Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
- Expertise in infantile, juvenile, congenital, and syndromic scoliosis
- Advanced growth-preserving surgical techniques
- MAGEC® and growing rod expertise
- Comprehensive care from infancy through skeletal maturity
- Personalized treatment plans for every child
If you’re searching for the best scoliosis surgeon NYC, early onset scoliosis specialist Manhattan, pediatric spine surgeon Great Neck Long Island, or the best orthopedic spine surgeon in New York, our team is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care using the latest advances in pediatric spine surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is considered early onset scoliosis?
Early onset scoliosis includes any scoliosis diagnosed before a child’s tenth birthday.
Can early onset scoliosis improve without surgery?
Yes. Some infantile curves resolve spontaneously, while others respond well to observation, casting, or bracing. Treatment depends on the type of scoliosis and how quickly the curve progresses.
Why is early treatment important?
Because the spine and lungs are still developing rapidly, untreated severe curves can impair chest growth and long-term lung function.
What is a MAGEC growing rod?
A MAGEC® rod is a magnetically controlled growing rod that can often be lengthened in the office without repeated surgical procedures in appropriately selected patients.
Schedule a Consultation with a Leading Early Onset Scoliosis Specialist in NYC & Great Neck, Long Island
If your child has been diagnosed with early onset scoliosis, timely evaluation by an experienced pediatric spine specialist can make a significant difference in preserving spinal growth and preventing long-term complications.
At Scoliosis & Spine Associates, Dr. Baron Lonner provides expert, personalized care for pediatric and adult scoliosis, spinal deformities, back pain, neck pain, and complex spine conditions. Serving patients throughout NYC, Manhattan, and Great Neck, Long Island, and the world, our practice is dedicated to advanced treatment and the highest standards of safety and care.
Patients seeking an experienced scoliosis surgeon in NYC, Manhattan, or Great Neck, Long Island can turn to Dr. Lonner for individualized treatment and advanced surgical expertise. Contact Scoliosis & Spine Associates today to schedule a consultation.
Scoliosis & Spine Associates
Baron Lonner, MD
1155 Park Ave, #1
New York, NY 10128
646-499-3715
Scoliosis & Spine Associates of Long Island
Baron Lonner, MD
833 Northern Boulevard, Suite 220
Great Neck, NY 11021
516-814-9399
