Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a side to side curvature of the spine (measured in degrees). Scoliosis can present during adolescence (1-3/ 1000 people) usually in females between 11-17 years of age. Although causation is partially genetic, the exact cause is unclear and is called Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). Typically, this curvature of the spine does not cause pain but can present with one shoulder being higher than other, waist asymmetry (one hip is more prominent than the other), torso shifted off to one side, or a hump or rib prominence in the upper back.

Degenerative scoliosis may occur in later life, usually over the age of 50. As discs degenerate in the lumbar spine (low back) side to side curvature may develop, and painful instability or the vertebrae slippage can increase the degrees of curvature and create a deformity. As in adolescent with scoliosis, trunk shifting, loss of waist height, loss of total height generally occurs. Pain results from the vertebrae rubbing together without the normal cushioning of the lumbar disc. Spinal nerves are often trapped or compressed (spinal stenosis). If deformity increases and back nerve pain continues or increases over time, spinal fusion and correction of the deformity maybe the best option.

Patient Testimonials

"Dr. Kropf is literally a miracle worker. I have suffered with horrible pain for years from herniation at L4/5 & L5/S1. Had a prior micro-surgery from another surgeon which did not work. Dr. Kropf performed a double fusion through the stomach and back. Had my 7 month follow up yesterday and got a clean bill of health. Honestly, after about 5 months I was totally pain free. He completely nailed it!!! I also just referred one of my good friends who also feel in love with Dr.Kropf. I had interviewed 7 surgeons with my wife and we both agreed that there was no one better to do my surgery. This was not a fun thing to go through, but so worth it. Katie, Sakura, and Trisha also were awesome to deal with and super responsive."

-Lee E

"This man gave me my life back! I wouldn't be working today with him as a spine nurse ! I had a cervical fusion & artificial disc replacement for my lower back ! He's caring & compassionate & so is his staff ! He saved my husbands life also by ordering the right tests & got him to another specialist , I feel so blessed to have him! "

-Anastacia H

“Dr. Kropf is a very knowledgeable and experienced surgeon. He is just as straight forward and honest as I remember him from 19 years ago. He did an amazing job with my back then, that I flew across the country to discuss the second surgery with him!”

"First off, I believe Dr. Kropf helped save my life! It's been 6 months since I had my surgery and my spine has fused successfully! Dr. Kropf and his amazing staff treated me like a human being instead of just a patient! The support and encouragement they gave me throughout the few years I have been going is incomparable! Thank you to all those who helped me during my recovery, especially Sakura, and Trisha! You are all Angels on Earth! God Bless you!"

-Stefifi A

"I had a Cervical Spine Surgery February 2017 and Lumbar Spine Surgery November 2017. Both Surgeries were a Success. I feel so much better....No More Pain! Thank You, Dr. Kropf... You're the BEST!"

-Martha B