Scoliosis is an orthopedic condition that affects two to three percent of the population, or an estimated six to nine million people in the United States. While most people with scoliosis have mild symptoms, moderate or severe scoliosis can cause changes with walking, reduced range of motion, pain, trouble breathing, and cardiovascular problems. Surgery may be the best option to help people with severe scoliosis.
The Spine Center at Danbury Hospital, part of Western Connecticut Health Network (WCHN), is one of only a few centers in Connecticut that offer surgery to improve scoliosis for both teenagers and adults.
Scoliosis is a progressive disease. Danbury Hospital spine surgeons can talk about the importance of early intervention to manage curve progression and options to treat moderate to severe scoliosis.
Spine Surgeons
- David A. Bomback, MD, Spine Surgeon, Connecticut Neck and Back Specialists, Medical Director of Orthopedic Surgery, Neurological Surgery, and Trauma Surgery for Danbury Hospital
- David L. Kramer, MD, Spine Surgeon, Connecticut Neck and Back Specialists, Network Chief, Section of Spine Surgery for Danbury Hospital
Dr. Kramer is also the Ervie and Carolyn Hawley Endowed Chair in Orthopaedic Spine Surgery at WCHN.
Patient Story
Sophie Bjornson, from Bethel, Connecticut, can talk about her experience with scoliosis. The 18-year-old high school senior was diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis in middle school. Drs. Bomback and Kramer performed her surgery for scoliosis in December 2017, with the goal for her to be able to participate in all of her senior year activities, including prom and graduation.
Sophie said the surgery changed her life. To start, she grew two inches in one day! Before her surgery, she struggled with feeling different and disproportionate in her own body. She felt alone. As the youngest of four children, she was the only one in her family with scoliosis. She will tell you about her road to recovery and how her surgery was absolutely worth it.
Sophie wants to talk about the importance of school screenings. She is very thankful to the nurse at her middle school for noticing her shoulders were uneven. She also wants others with scoliosis to know that they are not alone and there is hope. Drs. Bomback and Kramer gave her hope and she is grateful for her straight spine.
Sophie is also very thankful to the nurses who took care of her at Danbury Hospital. She always knew she wanted a career where she was helping people, but it was not until her experience at Danbury Hospital when she decided she wanted to be a nurse. She is looking forward to attending Western Connecticut State University this fall. She has been accepted into the pre-nursing program. But first, she will celebrate her high school graduation this June. Congratulations Sophie!
To learn more and speak with the surgeons and Sophie, please contact Amy Forni: Amy.Forni@wchn.org, 203-739-7478