Scoliosis Specialist NYC: What to Look For?

Choose a scoliosis specialist who can accurately evaluate your spinal curve, monitor its progression, and recommend treatment based on your specific condition. Then, review their advanced training in spine care and experience managing different types of scoliosis. You should also confirm the doctor’s qualifications and experience performing complex spinal procedures.

At Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, our board-certified scoliosis specialist, Dr. Karèn Avanesov, has extensive training and experience in treating different types of scoliosis. He carefully evaluates your curve pattern and spinal alignment to determine whether you need continuous monitoring, nonsurgical treatment, or surgical correction. If scoliosis surgery is necessary, he selects the surgical approach based on the location and severity of your spinal deformity. Call 855-321-6784 to get personalized care in New York.

What Should You Look for in a Scoliosis Specialist in NYC?

Look for advanced spine training, experience treating different curve patterns, and access to both nonsurgical and surgical care when choosing the best scoliosis doctor in NYC. These qualifications help your specialist handle both simple and complex cases. Besides that, the specialist should clearly explain the diagnosis and the medical reasons for recommending a specific treatment approach.

In addition to the specialist’s training and experience, review the following factors:

1. Access to updated X-rays and other imaging when needed
2. Regular follow-up to track changes in your condition
3. A clear process for reviewing your medical history
4. High surgical volume in technically complex scoliosis correction
5. Access to advanced technologies for complex treatment planning
6. A structured approach to long-term patient care
7. Insurance coverage and in-network participation
8. Experience coordinating a multidisciplinary and compassionate care team

You should also confirm whether the doctor has completed fellowship training in spine surgery and holds board certification in their specialty. Fellowship training provides additional experience in evaluating complex spinal deformities and planning spinal realignment procedures.

In fact, a study of 5,117 adult scoliosis surgeries examined the relationship between surgeon experience and surgical complications. Researchers found that spinal cord complications were significantly lower among patients treated by active members of the Scoliosis Research Society compared with candidate members.

Should You Choose a Doctor Who Treats Your Scoliosis Type?

Yes, it’s better to choose a doctor who has experience treating your specific type of scoliosis. Each type of scoliosis can develop for different reasons and create a different spinal curve pattern. A doctor familiar with these differences can evaluate the factors affecting the curve and recommend the most appropriate treatment for your condition.

Here are the common types of scoliosis:

1. Idiopathic scoliosis
2. Degenerative scoliosis
3. Congenital scoliosis
4. Neuromuscular scoliosis
5. Early-onset scoliosis

Because the characteristics of each type can differ, ask how frequently the specialist treats your specific type of scoliosis and manages similar cases. Experience with similar cases helps the doctor address the specific spinal changes or underlying conditions associated with your type of scoliosis.

For example, degenerative scoliosis may involve age-related changes in the discs and joints. In contrast, neuromuscular scoliosis associated with cerebral palsy may require coordinated care with other specialists.

Do Children Need Specialized Care for Scoliosis?

Yes, children need specialized scoliosis care because their spine continues to develop as they grow. This ongoing growth can increase the risk of curve progression, especially during a growth spurt. In such cases, a pediatric scoliosis specialist closely monitors curve progression and adjusts treatment as the spinal curve changes during growth.

Does Dr. Karèn Avanesov Treat Both Adults and Children?

Yes, our spine surgeon, Dr. Karèn Avanesov, treats scoliosis in both adults and children. His advanced training in pediatric and adult scoliosis helps him manage spinal curves across different stages of growth and skeletal maturity. Using this specialized training, he can adjust the treatment according to your age, spinal curve, and stage of skeletal development.

For younger patients, our specialist reviews remaining growth and the risk of curve progression when planning treatment. In adults, he evaluates whether age-related changes are contributing to pain, spinal imbalance, or numbness. Schedule an evaluation with the best pediatric scoliosis specialist in NYC to get a treatment plan based on your condition.

How Does a Scoliosis Specialist Assess Your Curve?

A scoliosis specialist examines your spinal alignment, posture, shoulder and hip symmetry, and spinal movement to identify physical changes caused by the curve. Other than that, they assess your strength, reflexes, sensation, and symptoms to identify possible nerve involvement. During the forward-bend test, your doctor also checks for rib or back prominence caused by spinal rotation.

Moreover, doctors may use a scoliometer during the forward-bend test to measure the angle of trunk rotation (ATR) and quantify visible trunk asymmetry. Rather than relying on this measurement alone, they compare it with physical signs such as uneven shoulders, waist asymmetry, head tilt, and pelvic prominence. A 2025 study of 595 participants found that combining ATR measurements with physical signs improved scoliosis detection compared with assessing trunk rotation alone.

Here are some other methods doctors may use when diagnosing scoliosis:

• Gait assessment
• Leg-length assessment
• Balance testing
• Skeletal maturity assessment
• Pulmonary function testing

What Imaging Tests Are Used to Evaluate Scoliosis?

Doctors use standing X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and CT scans to confirm the diagnosis of scoliosis and measure curvature. They usually begin with standing X-rays to measure the spinal curve and assess overall alignment. But if they need additional information about the spinal cord, nerves, discs, or bones, they may recommend advanced imaging based on your examination findings.

What Factors Affect Your Scoliosis Treatment Plan?

The scoliosis treatment plan depends on your curve severity, location, progression, age, and remaining skeletal growth. The doctor also assesses symptom severity and whether the curve limits movement or daily activities. Together, these factors help determine whether you need regular monitoring, conservative treatments, or more advanced treatment.

Here’s how each of these factors can affect your scoliosis treatment plan:

1. Curve Severity

In mild cases, doctors usually monitor the curve over time to identify further progression before recommending active treatment. But if your curve exceeds 20 degrees while you are still growing, the doctor may recommend a back brace to help prevent further progression.

The Scoliosis Research Society generally recommends bracing for curves between 25° and 45° to 50° when you still have skeletal growth remaining. If the curve continues to progress beyond this range, the doctor may recommend an orthopedic surgery.

2. Curve Progression

Continued curve progression may require changes to your treatment plan, even if the curve was mild when first diagnosed. Therefore, the doctor compares measurements from each follow-up visit to track changes in the curve over time.

If the curve continues to increase while you are still growing, the doctor may recommend bracing instead of observation alone. In contrast, continued progression despite bracing may require a surgical evaluation.

3. Curve Location

The location of the curve helps determine which areas of your spine need support or correction during treatment. For example, an upper spinal curve may require a scoliosis brace that extends further up the torso to support the affected area.

On the other hand, a lower curve may be managed with an underarm brace. Beyond brace selection, the curve location also helps your surgeon determine which vertebrae may need correction. For this reason, two curves with similar measurements may require different treatment approaches depending on their location.

4. Age and Remaining Skeletal Growth

Your age and remaining skeletal growth can directly affect the treatment approach the doctor recommends. If you are still growing, your spinal curve may continue to progress, which may require closer monitoring or bracing.

In fact, a study of 161 patients with idiopathic scoliosis found that larger curves and greater remaining skeletal growth were associated with a higher risk of progression. As skeletal growth slows, your doctor may modify the treatment approach as the risk of further progression decreases.

5. Severity of Symptoms

Your symptoms help the doctor determine how scoliosis affects daily functioning. If symptoms are mild, regular monitoring of the curve may be recommended. However, persistent pain, weakness, or nerve-related symptoms may require a more detailed evaluation.

In addition, if these symptoms begin to interfere with walking, work, sleep, or daily activities, the doctor may recommend treatment beyond observation. This approach helps address the spinal changes causing your symptoms and reduces the pain that affects your daily activities.

6. Overall Spinal Balance

The doctor checks how well your head and upper body align with your pelvis in addition to measuring the sideways spinal curve. When the spine shifts forward, your pelvis, hips, or knees may compensate to help you maintain balance while standing.

In a study of 752 patients with adult spinal deformity, greater forward spinal imbalance was associated with worse health-status scores. If this imbalance limits your daily activities, the doctor may also address overall spinal alignment when planning treatment.

Should You Try Nonsurgical Treatment Before Surgery?

Yes, you should try nonsurgical treatments before considering surgery, unless your condition requires earlier surgical care. Depending on your curve, age, growth, and scoliosis symptoms, the doctor may recommend observation, exercise, or bracing. But if these options do not control curve progression or symptoms continue to limit your daily activities, the doctor may proceed with surgical treatment.

Will a Spine Surgeon Always Recommend Surgery?

No, a spine surgeon will not always recommend surgery. Our scoliosis specialist, Dr. Karèn Avanesov, first recommends nonsurgical treatments to manage your condition. However, if the condition continues to progress despite nonsurgical care, he may recommend surgery to address the underlying spinal problem.

If surgery is recommended, Dr. Karèn Avanesov first reviews your overall condition before finalizing the treatment plan. He explains the expected benefits of surgery, possible limitations, and the recovery process.

He also explains how the recommended surgery addresses the specific changes affecting the spinal alignment. This helps you understand the expected results and recovery process before moving forward with surgery. Book an appointment with Dr. Karèn Avanesov to get clear guidance on your scoliosis treatment.

When Does Scoliosis Need Surgical Treatment?

Doctors may recommend surgery when the curve reaches approximately 45° to 50° and continues to worsen over time. They may also advise surgery if the curve causes significant pain, affects the spinal balance, or leads to nerve-related symptoms. To monitor this progression, the doctor considers both the severity of the curve and its impact on your daily life.

Depending on your age, curve severity, and overall spinal condition, the doctor may recommend the following surgical options:

• Spinal fusion: Corrects and stabilizes the spinal curve.
• Growing rods: Help control the curve while allowing continued spinal growth.
• Minimally invasive surgery: Uses smaller incisions to reduce disruption to surrounding tissues.
• Robotic-assisted surgery: Uses robotic guidance to support the precise placement of spinal implants.

What Should You Ask Before Spinal Deformity Surgery?

Before scoliosis surgery, you should ask about the goal of the procedure, expected results, possible risks, and recovery time. You should also discuss how the surgery may affect your spinal movement and daily activities after treatment. These questions help you understand the expected results of surgery and what the recovery may involve.

You should also ask the following questions during the initial consultation:

• Why is surgery recommended for my specific curve?
• Which part of my spine will need treatment?
• How much correction does the surgeon expect?
• Will I need a spinal fusion?
• How many vertebrae may need to be treated?
• Could my curve continue to change after surgery?
• How often does the surgeon treat curves similar to mine?
• What follow-up care will I need after surgery?

How Does Dr. Karèn Avanesov Plan Scoliosis Surgery?

Our expert spine surgeon, Dr. Karèn Avanesov, reviews standing X-rays, curve measurements, spinal balance, and the flexibility of your curve to plan scoliosis surgery. He uses these findings to identify which vertebrae need correction and determine the appropriate fusion levels. He also analyzes your bone quality, nerve function, and family history before finalizing the surgical plan.

Other than that, Dr. Karèn Avanesov determines how much correction is needed for the sideways curve and spinal rotation. For more rigid curves, he also assesses whether additional correction is necessary to improve spinal position. Based on these findings, he plans the required degree of correction while minimizing stress on the surrounding structures.

What Is Dr. Karèn Avanesov’s Experience With Spine Technology?

Dr. Karèn Avanesov has practical experience in developing and testing spinal instrumentation used in spine surgery. During his fellowship at the Leatherman Spine Center, he contributed to the development and clinical trials of spinal instrumentation systems. He is also named as a co-inventor on U.S. patents for a minimally invasive screw extension assembly. The device is designed to help position a spinal fixation rod into an implant during minimally invasive spinal surgery.

Here are some other spine technologies Dr. Karèn Avanesov has experience working with:

• Dual tulip spinal fixation assembly: He is a named co-inventor on U.S. Patent 10,070,895, designed to connect two spinal rods within one fixation assembly.
• Spinal rod and screw fixation systems: His patented work includes screws, internal rods, and implant connections for stabilizing the spine.
• Complex spinal reconstruction: Experience with complex reconstruction used to correct and stabilize spinal deformities.
• Minimally invasive spine techniques: His fellowship training focused on advanced techniques, including minimally invasive approaches to spinal care.

When Should You See a Scoliosis Specialist?

You should see a scoliosis specialist if you notice uneven shoulders or hips, a visible spinal curve, or persistent back pain. You should also seek an evaluation if an existing curve continues to progress or affects your movement and daily activities. A specialist can assess the scoliosis severity and determine whether the curve requires further treatment or regular monitoring to prevent scoliosis.

You should also see a specialist if you experience the following symptoms:

• Numbness, tingling, or leg pain
• Muscle weakness in your legs
• Difficulty maintaining balance while walking
• Changes in bowel or bladder control
• Difficulty breathing with a severe spinal deformity
• A rapid growth spurt with known scoliosis
• A previous scoliosis diagnosis without regular follow-up
• New symptoms after previous scoliosis treatment

What to Expect at Your First Scoliosis Consultation?

At your first scoliosis consultation at Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, our spine team reviews your symptoms, medical history, previous imaging, and changes in the spinal curve. Our physicians then perform a detailed examination and review or order imaging when needed. Based on these findings, we explain the diagnosis and discuss your treatment.

Usually, specialist care may require separate visits for evaluation, imaging, and treatment planning. But our team streamlines the entire process so the treatment progresses without delays. With access to on-site imaging, our specialist can review your results and coordinate the treatment without an outside referral.

Moreover, we accept many major insurance plans and help you verify your coverage before treatment. If you do not have insurance or have limited coverage, transparent self-pay pricing and flexible payment plans are also available.

What Records Should You Bring for an Appointment?

You should bring your previous X-rays, MRI or CT reports, medical records, and a list of current medications for the scoliosis appointment. If you have received previous treatment, bring those records as well. These details help the specialist compare earlier findings with your current condition and plan the next stage of the treatment.

You should also bring the following information for your evaluation:

• Insurance card and photo ID
• Referral documents, if required
• Previous scoliosis measurements, including Cobb angle records
• Brace information, including type and wear schedule
• Previous surgical reports, if applicable
• Questions or concerns you want to discuss with your specialist

How Do You Know You Have Chosen the Right Specialist?

An experienced spinal deformity specialist in NYC should provide a clear medical reason for each treatment recommendation rather than relying on a single measurement. They should also explain what changes in your condition may require adjustments to the treatment over time. This helps you understand how your treatment plan may change as the condition progresses.

Additionally, the specialist should involve you in treatment decisions rather than simply recommending an option. They should also explain the benefits and limitations of each treatment option and address your concerns before making a recommendation.

A study involving patients with scoliosis identified pain, recovery, treatment benefits, possible complications, and cost as important factors in treatment decisions. Therefore, the specialist should discuss these factors with you before finalizing your treatment plan.

When Should You Get a Second Opinion?

You should get a second opinion if you are unsure about your scoliosis diagnosis, the curve continues to progress, or surgery has been recommended. Another specialist can review the imaging and treatment plan to determine whether the recommended approach is appropriate for your condition.

In some cases, specialists may make different treatment recommendations after evaluating the same spinal condition. In fact, a study of 485 patients seeking a second opinion found that only 15.5% received the same specific surgical recommendation as their first consultation.

Common Patient Scenarios

The scoliosis treatment needs may change depending on your age, symptoms, activity level, and the progression of the curve. Here are some common situations that may require specialized scoliosis evaluation and treatment planning:

I’m Over 60 and Have Recently Been Told I Have Scoliosis.

If scoliosis is diagnosed after age 60, the doctor assesses age-related changes that may be affecting your spine. For example, disc degeneration, arthritis, or spinal stenosis may contribute to your symptoms along with the curve. Identifying the main source of your symptoms helps the specialist determine which condition needs treatment.

I Want to Keep Playing Sports With Scoliosis.

Many people with scoliosis can play sports and stay physically active. However, your ability to participate in sports may depend on the severity of the curve, symptoms, previous treatment, and the demands of your sport. A scoliosis specialist can evaluate these factors and determine whether you can play sports without restrictions or need activity modifications.

I’m Worried About How Much Scoliosis Surgery Could Cost.

Scoliosis surgery costs vary depending on the procedure, hospital, surgical complexity, and insurance coverage. Your final out-of-pocket cost may also depend on the deductible, copay, and which services the insurance covers. Before surgery, you can ask the surgical team and your insurer for an estimate of the costs you may need to pay.

Surgery Has Been Recommended, but I’m Not Sure It’s Worth It.

Scoliosis surgery may be beneficial if your curve continues to progress or if symptoms significantly affect your daily activities. The doctor also considers the curve severity, spinal balance, symptoms, and response to nonsurgical treatment before recommending surgery. These factors help the doctor determine whether surgery is the right treatment approach for your condition.

Book Your Appointment With Our Fellowship-Trained Scoliosis Specialist in New York!

You may have found a doctor who can monitor your scoliosis, but you still worry about managing advanced scoliosis treatment. If your condition later requires bracing or surgery, changing specialists may mean another doctor needs to review your complete treatment history before recommending any treatment. This process may delay the treatment you need while the curve continues to worsen.

At Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, you do not have to choose between a doctor who monitors early scoliosis and one who manages complex spinal deformities. Our spine specialist, Dr. Karèn Avanesov, has fellowship training in adult and pediatric spine surgery and extensive experience managing scoliosis, from routine monitoring to complex surgical treatment. Call 855-321-6784 or visit us in New York to discuss your treatment options.

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