Pediatric Spine Surgery

Our pediatric spine surgery department is exclusively dedicated to the treatment of babies, children, and teens suffering from spine conditions.

WHAT SETS US APART

Comprehensive treatment

From scoliosis and tumors to fractures and sports injuries, we offer state-of-the-art treatment approaches for virtually every spine condition that affects our younger patients.

State-of-the-art safety measures

Our Long Island pediatric spine surgeons go above and beyond to ensure a safe environment in the operating room – improving patient outcomes and decreasing infection rates.

Advanced diagnostic testing

We are proud to have access to the latest diagnostic technologies, along with time-proven tests such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, to aid in making a quick and definitive diagnosis.

Personalized guidance

We view our patients like family – especially in our pediatric department. Our specialists will be with you and your child every step of the way, offering guidance and support from your pre-operative appointments throughout the recovery period and everywhere in between.

PEDIATRIC CONDITIONS WE TREAT

Scoliosis
Kyphosis
Spondylolisthesis
Spine trauma
Spinal tumors
Herniated disc
Infections
And more

OUR PEDIATRIC SURGERY SERVICES

VEPTR

Also known as a vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib, VEPTR is a device that is used when your child’s condition coincides with related lung and chest issues.

VEPTR is an FDA-approved, curved metal rod that attaches to the ribs, spine or pelvis. It straightens the spine and separates the ribs so that the lungs can grow normally. Once the device is in place, your child will need a minor surgery every six months to adjust the VEPTR until his or her bones reach maturity.

Growing Rods

Growing rods are an ideal treatment approach for children younger than ten years old. They are used to correct a spinal curve that is associated with scoliosis or kyphosis in a way that allows the spine to continue growing normally. Once in place, they must be surgically lengthened every six months until your child’s bones are done growing.

Spinal fusion

The spinal fusion procedure is done for patients whose bones have reached skeletal maturity, and thus are no longer candidates for VEPTR or growing rods. It is a serious pediatric spine surgery that takes several hours to complete.

During this procedure, our Long Island surgeons will attach a rod to the curvature to straighten the spine. We will then place small pieces of bone in the area of the rod. As your child heals, the bone fragments will grow together, permanently fusing the spine into its proper, straightened position.

Speak With A Specialist

Visit one of our New York locations.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR CHILD’S SPINE SURGERY

Your child will need special care before, during, and after their surgery.

Here’s how to prepare the entire family for the weeks and months ahead:

Take time off from work

Your child will need a lot of support in the days and weeks immediately following surgery. As such, we recommend taking time off from work so that you can help them recover.

Arrange for help

Ask a friend or family member to help prepare meals or take your other children to school and activities.

Talk to your child’s school

Communicate with your child’s school about the procedure well in advance. Ask if he or she can complete certain assignments during the absence to avoid falling behind.

MINIMALLY INVASIVE SPINE SURGERY PROVIDERS

Spine Surgeons

Dr. Laurence Mermelstein

Dr. Hargovind DeWal

Dr. Sushil Basra

Practice Policy Update Regarding COVID-19

Dear Patients:

Our patients, employees and family are our top priority at Long Island Spine Specialists, P.C.

We ask you to not visit any of our locations if you have symptoms such as fever, sneezing, coughing and possible shortness of breath.

Please cancel your appointment and re-schedule once you are feeling better and are no longer suffering with symptoms.

Only non-symptomatic patients will be seen. No exceptions.

Accompanying family members – including children – are asked to remain in the waiting area and will not be allowed to enter the exam rooms.

During this time of high concern regarding the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) we are taking extra precautions to maintain the highest possible standards of safety and cleanliness. Please be advised that we are carefully following recommendations from both the CDC and WHO and are here to help guide you through this time if needed.

Some steps we are taking to keeping safe:

We know how important cleanliness is and always maintain the highest standards of cleanliness. To further offer you peace of mind, we have increased the frequency of the cleaning of our office.

Rest assured that hand washing is strictly followed. Hand sanitizer is available to all staff and patients.

Additionally, if you have recently traveled to a country with high rates of the coronavirus or have been on a cruise, please reschedule your visit for at least 14 days from your return date. We will gladly accommodate your needs to reschedule. At that time, a telehealth interface can be arranged if necessary.

Find up-to-date and accurate information on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website and feel free to reach out with questions.

- Your team at Long Island Spine Specialists, P.C.

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about Long Island Spine Specialists – and to discover how we can relieve your pain and help you find an improved quality of life – please contact our office today and schedule a consultation.