Flexible Spinal Stabilization Enables Growth-Friendly Correction Of Pediatric Scoliosis At KFSHRC

King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre in Jeddah has treated a 13-year-old girl with worsening scoliosis using a two-stage operation that preserved spinal motion. The procedure corrected the spinal curve, kept lumbar flexibility, and aimed to reduce long-term complications often linked with traditional full spinal fusion in young patients.

The child’s spinal curvature had been increasing during growth, creating concerns about future function and quality of life. Doctors at the hospital selected an approach that combined permanent stabilisation of the most affected area with a growth-friendly method for the remaining segments, aligning treatment with the child’s continuing development.

In the first stage, the surgical team carried out rigid posterior fixation of the thoracic vertebrae. This permanent stabilisation targeted the most deformed part of the spine. It provided structural support, helped control further progression of the curve, and created a stable foundation for the second, more flexible phase of treatment.

The subsequent stage addressed the lumbar vertebrae from the front using a flexible tethering system. This modern technique allows the lower spine to remodel progressively as the child grows. The tether gently guides the curve towards correction while maintaining motion, which is important for daily activities and long-term spinal health.

This combined approach achieved balanced alignment of the spine without fusing the entire length. Lumbar motion remained largely preserved, unlike many conventional methods that depend on extensive fusion. By reducing the risk of later stiffness and activity limits, the method supports better function for the patient during adolescence and adulthood.

The success of the operation relied on careful planning and teamwork across several departments. Orthopedic surgeons, anesthesiologists, nursing staff, and physical therapy teams worked in close coordination. Advanced surgical planning tools and intraoperative imaging guided each step, helping to increase accuracy, shorten hospital stay, and support patient safety.

KFSHRC clinical excellence and rankings

The case reflects the hospital’s focus on tailored treatments for spinal deformities in children and adolescents. By adapting techniques to each patient’s needs, the institution aims to widen available options, improve clinical outcomes, and enhance daily functioning and quality of life for young people with complex spinal conditions.

KFSHRC holds a leading position among academic medical centres. The hospital ranks first in the Middle East and Africa and fifteenth worldwide in the 2025 list of the top 250 academic medical centres. Brand Finance 2024 identifies KFSHRC as the highest valued healthcare brand in Saudi Arabia and the region.

The hospital is also recognised in several international ratings. Newsweek lists KFSHRC among the World’s Best Hospitals 2025, the World’s Best Smart Hospitals 2026, and the World’s Best Specialized Hospitals 2026. The scoliosis case adds to a record of complex care that aligns with these global assessments of performance.

With inputs from SPA