AIM: Advanced. Innovative. Multidisciplinary. It’s not only the meaning behind our name, it’s also the driving force behind how we care for kids. At the AIM Spine Center at Children’s Wisconsin, our pediatric spine specialists work together to provide outstanding and compassionate care for even the most complex spinal disorders and spine trauma in infants, children and teens.

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Speak to a nurse: Call (414) 337-7463

Commitment to noninvasive spine treatment

We’re committed to doing what’s best for kids, and that means avoiding surgery when it’s not necessary. Fortunately, with early intervention, many spinal problems can be treated noninvasively. Our expert team continues to develop new brace technology and embrace other treatments and techniques that maximize our patients’ quality of life and let kids be kids.

• Bracing for early-onset scoliosis
• Orthopedic nurse-led scoliosis brace support group
• Scoliosis specific therapy with a schroth-certified pediatric therapist
• 3D-printed brace technology developed by one of our orthopedic physicians
• Sports-specific rehabilitation including return-to-sport assessment, injury prevention techniques and performance enhancement training

Spine services we offer:

• Testing and imaging:
  • A full suite of advanced diagnostic testing including EOS low dose radiation imaging, CT, MRI and PET-MRI 
  • Pediatric interventional radiologists for minimally invasive spinal biopsies, angiography and ablative procedures
• Therapy and rehabilitation:
  • Psychology services to assist patients and families with surgery preparation and recovery
  • Occupational therapy to assist in returning to normal day-to-day activities
  • State-of-the-art rehab facilities staffed by pediatric-specific physical and occupational therapists under the guidance of pediatric rehabilitation physicians 
• Spine surgery services:
  • All spine procedures are supported by fellowship-trained pediatric anesthesiologists
  • For scoliosis surgery, Children’s offers orthopedic nurse-led support groups for pre- and post-surgical patients
  • Real-time monitoring of spinal cord function during surgery to minimize risk of injury

Innovative use of surgical spine technology:

Children’s Wisconsin has always been an early adopter of innovative technology that enhances our care, and we’re proud to offer imaging technology and surgical tools that you won’t find at any other children’s hospital in the region. Our advanced technologies include:

• Mazor X Stealth robotic navigation: Children’s Wisconsin is one of only a handful of spine centers in the country utilizing the Mazor X for robotic-assisted navigation for precise hardware placement in complex surgical cases.
• O-arm intraoperative imaging: This allows our surgeons to take real-time imaging during spinal surgeries to ensure the appropriate placement of spinal instrumentation.
• Frameless stereotactic-guided technology: Often used in conjunction with the O-arm, this technology allows for precise navigation with in the surgical field, primarily used for accurate placement of spinal hardware.
• Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib (VEPTR™): A surgically implanted rod that helps growing children with severe deformities of the chest, spine and ribs.
• MAGnetic Expansion Control (MAGEC) System: A surgically implanted rod with an external remote control that is used after the initial surgery to lengthen a growing child’s spine. The MAGEC rods are lengthened magnetically every three to six months to improve spinal curves without the need for subsequent surgeries.

Patient stories

Karina's story

After a horrific car accident, Karina didn't know if she would ever walk again. Learn how our doctors from Orthopedics and Neurosciences collaborated to treat Karina's severe injuries.

Emerson's story

Emerson was diagnosed with scoliosis at 4 years old. While a child can be diagnosed at any age, it is uncommon in young children. Learn how the pediatric spine experts at Children's helped improved Emerson's spine without surgery.