Treatments Offered by Dr. Cho

  • Woman exercising with resistance band on wall bars in a gym performing Schroth scoliosis specific exercises

    Nonoperative Treatment

    Most scoliosis and kyphosis can be treated with close observation. Physical therapy can be helpful for some to alleviate pain or minimize curve progression. Bracing is effective for patients with growth remaining and can prevent surgery in many cases. Casting can be effective for some very young children to prevent surgery.

  • X-ray images of a human spine showing spinal curvature with angles marked at 21.5, 40.0, and 37.8 degrees on the left side, and 12.7, 13.0, and 8.09 degrees on the right side, indicating scoliosis and treatment with an anterior vertebral body tether

    Anterior Vertebral Body Tethering

    Anterior vertebral body tethering (AVBT) uses a flexible cord inserted through the chest or flank to help correct scoliosis over time with a patient’s own growth. Dr. Cho is the only surgeon in Los Angeles that performs this highly specialized procedure.

  • Comparison of two X-ray images showing the spine. The left X-ray shows a spine with a 75.5° curvature, indicating scoliosis. The right X-ray shows a spine with a 9.77° curvature after surgical correction with posterior spinal fusion

    Posterior Spinal Fusion

    Posterior spinal fusion is the gold standard for correction of most scoliosis and kyphosis patients. Dr. Cho uses the latest techniques to maximize curve correction and minimize pain and time in the hospital. He has performed over 1000 spinal fusion procedures in his career.

  • X-ray image showing a side view of a person's chest and abdomen on the left, and a front view of a person's chest with spinal fusion hardware on the right. The right side displays metallic rods and screws attached to the spine. MAGEC rods

    Magnetic Growing Rods

    Some children less than 10 years of age with progressive infantile or juvenile scoliosis may require surgical management. Dr. Cho uses magnetic growing rod technology in select patients to minimize the number of trips to the operating room while a child grows.

  • X-ray image of a human chest showing spinal curvature with measurements and angles on the left side, and spinal rods and screws on the right side indicating spinal stabilization surgery and hemivertebrectomy vertebrectomy.

    Vertebrectomy

    Children with congenital scoliosis or kyphosis may require hemivertebrectomy or vertebrectomy to prevent progression and correct their curvatures. Dr. Cho has extensive experience correcting mild, moderate, and severe curves with the latest technology to maximize safety.

  • A young boy smiling, wearing a gray t-shirt, with a red clown nose, and a green cast on his right arm, standing in front of a green background.

    Casting and Bracing

    Dr. Cho also treats any general pediatric orthopaedic conditions including: broken bones (fractures), knock-knees, leg length discrepancy, sports related injuries, lumps and bumps, tendon and ligament injuries, and pain. X-rays are available in office.

Contact Dr. Cho

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