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The Portland Scoliosis and Spinal Surgery Centre
215 Great Portland Street
London
W1W 5PN
London
W1W 5PN
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Welcome to The Portland Scoliosis and Spinal Surgery Centre
Why choose us?
Spinal conditions can be concerning, and you want to know your child is in the very best hands. Our paediatric spinal surgeons, neurosurgeons, physiotherapists, orthotists and play therapists come together to offer your child the highest quality treatment and care.
Our centre of excellence offers specialist care for children experiencing everything from unexplained back symptoms and pain, to the most complex spinal conditions, with the UK’s only private Level 3 paediatric intensive care unit.
Our centre of excellence offers specialist care for children experiencing everything from unexplained back symptoms and pain, to the most complex spinal conditions, with the UK’s only private Level 3 paediatric intensive care unit.
At The Portland Hospital Scoliosis and Spinal Surgery Centre we treat all paediatric spinal conditions, including:
- Scoliosis or curvature of the spine in children; this includes ‘congenital’ scoliosis (present at birth), early or late onset idiopathic scoliosis and scoliosis associated with a number of neuromuscular and genetic conditions.
- Back pain in children
- Spina bifida – a gap in the spine present from birth
- Kyphosis, a curvature of the spine that’s visible from the side
- Spodylolysis and spondylolisthesis, involving the fatigue or fracture of parts of the vertebrae
Scoliosis is a manageable condition when diagnosed early. For children who are still growing, an external brace can be used to prevent further worsening of scoliosis while the child grows. Even when wearing a brace, most children live normal lives and participate in the same activities as their peers.
Not all children with a curve in their spine will require surgery – this will depend on the severity of the curvature in the spine. If surgery is required, our advanced facilities and highly experience team will do everything they can to reduce complications and shorten the length of your child’s hospital stay.
Fast access to specialists
Appointments confirmed within 24 hours
State-of-the-art diagnostics
With results in as little as 48 hours
Treatments for complex conditions
We focus our breadth of expertise on your child
SPINAL SERVICES
High quality, specialist care for your child
Our highly experienced consultant spinal surgeons, paediatric experts and multidisciplinary teams are here to support your child, every step of the way. Some of the specialist spinal conditions we can help with include:
Scoliosis in children
We know it can be worrying if your child has a spinal issue, and some cases of scoliosis can be more complex to treat than others. With HCA UK, you can be confident that your child will receive safe, tailored care from a dedicated team that includes some of the UK’s leading private spinal surgeons and physiotherapists.
Kyphosis in children
Kyphosis in children is sometimes called juvenile kyphosis or roundback. If your child has kyphosis, their back will appear markedly curved when viewed from the side. Depending on the severity of the condition, your child may be treated with physiotherapy, a special brace, or in severe cases, surgery to prevent further curving.
Spina bifida
Spina bifida is a birth condition where the spine and spinal cord don't develop properly in the womb. The exact cause is unknown. It can range from mild to severe, with some cases resulting in lower-limb paralysis.
Fast access to diagnostics
When your child is experiencing pain or symptoms, you need to get the right answers fast. At The Portland Hospital our child-friendly radiology team will offer your child all the tests they need, with all scans reviewed by a consultant radiologist:
- MRI
- CT scans
- Low radiation X-ray
- Ultrasound
- Blood tests
- Genetic and metabolic testing
Non-surgical treatments for spinal conditions
Spinal conditions including scoliosis often respond well to physiotherapy, which is why we offer a wide range of physiotherapy available for children. We also offer bracing programmes for young patients with spinal curves between 25º and 40º, as well as specialist orthotic footwear and insoles.
What your child can expect from their stay
Our children’s hospital is designed to create a safe and comfortable environment that children and teenagers can remember as much for the kindness they experienced and for the opportunities to play as for the treatment they received.
Play, pet and music therapy
Our play specialists will build your child's confidence, encourage them to talk about their feelings and help them to feel more at ease about a stay or upcoming procedure.
Out-of-the-box-fun
As well as a playroom full of interactive computers, books and toys, there’s a chance to meet Batman and Superman. They’ve even been seen cleaning the hospital’s windows!
Educational support
We work with education specialists who are experienced in teaching children with health problems, learning difficulties or both. We can also assist with re-integrating your child back into their all-important regular school routine.
How to find us
When your child needs help with a spinal condition or to diagnose new symptoms, we’re here for them at The Portland Hospital, the UK’s only private hospital dedicated to the treatment of children.
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street
London W1W 5AH
FAQs
Back pain in children is becoming increasingly common. In most cases, the cause of the pain is due to muscular strain and will subside on its own. However, in some cases back pain in children can be a sign of a more serious underlying disorder, therefore early identification and treatment is needed.
Whether you have a family history of scoliosis or you’ve noticed a curve in your child’s back, they’re suffering from back pain or their quality of life is affected in some way by unusual symptoms, it’s always a good idea to get checked out by a specialist as early as possible.
Whether you have a family history of scoliosis or you’ve noticed a curve in your child’s back, they’re suffering from back pain or their quality of life is affected in some way by unusual symptoms, it’s always a good idea to get checked out by a specialist as early as possible.
Most children and teens diagnosed with scoliosis can look forward to normal, active lives. Your child’s outlook depends in large part on the nature and severity of their scoliosis. Age also plays an important role. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the outlook for many children with scoliosis.
Spinal conditions often respond well to physiotherapy, which is why we make a wide range of non-surgical physiotherapy available for children with spinal conditions, including scoliosis. We also offer bracing programmes for young patients with spinal curves between 25 and 40 degrees, as well as other effective orthotic interventions like specialist footwear and insoles.
At The Scoliosis and Spinal Centre at The Portland Hospital, our team of spinal surgeons and neurosurgeons offer exceptional treatment. The full breadth of surgical options we offer includes dual consultant operating as standard, to reduce complications and shorten the length of your child’s time in theatre.
Importantly, the surgical team are supported by a multidisciplinary team of paediatricians, radiologists, anaesthetists, specialist nurses, physiotherapists, orthotists and play therapy specialists, who work closely together to offer your child the full wrap-around care they need.
Additionally, The Portland Hospital features the UK’s only dedicated level three paediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Post-operative patients are initially cared for in our PICU with optimal pain relief medication to enhance recovery and rehabilitation.
We will continue to offer your child exceptional care after discharge, for your peace of mind, with ongoing access to the spinal team via spinal specialist nurses and regular outpatient appointments for at least two years following surgery.
Importantly, the surgical team are supported by a multidisciplinary team of paediatricians, radiologists, anaesthetists, specialist nurses, physiotherapists, orthotists and play therapy specialists, who work closely together to offer your child the full wrap-around care they need.
Additionally, The Portland Hospital features the UK’s only dedicated level three paediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Post-operative patients are initially cared for in our PICU with optimal pain relief medication to enhance recovery and rehabilitation.
We will continue to offer your child exceptional care after discharge, for your peace of mind, with ongoing access to the spinal team via spinal specialist nurses and regular outpatient appointments for at least two years following surgery.
Our child-friendly patient support services include play, pet and music therapy to build your child's confidence, encourage them to talk about their feelings and help them to feel more at ease about a stay or upcoming procedure. They will also have access to a range of materials and support from education specialists should they need it to maintain their school routine.
The standards of care that HCA UK offers through our paediatric services at The Portland Hospital have been recognised for their excellence by the CQC who praised the patient-centred approach of our highly trained compassionate staff, everywhere from outpatients to complex care.
The standards of care that HCA UK offers through our paediatric services at The Portland Hospital have been recognised for their excellence by the CQC who praised the patient-centred approach of our highly trained compassionate staff, everywhere from outpatients to complex care.
Our locations
Urgent Care Centre for Children
234 Great Portland Street W1W 5QT London
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
Our patients’ stories
Millie's story – still hula hooping after scoliosis surgery
On the day of her 14th birthday, Millie was driving from South Wales to London with her mum, Vicki, for her long-awaited scoliosis operation. "It was the best birthday present I could ask for," says Millie, who is from Blaenrhondda in the Rhonda Valley, "being given a perfectly straight back."
Rhiannon’s courage: Recovering after scoliosis surgery
Rhiannon was an active 14-year-old girl. When she occasionally complained to her parents about aches and pains in her back, there was no reason to think it was anything more sinister than sore muscles from one of her dance classes, or something she’d pulled while horse riding.
Mimi’s story: Scoliosis surgery at 58 degrees
As 16-year-old Mimi climbed to the top of the giant Slitherine water slide in Dubai’s Atlantis aquaventure park, she had a momentary change of heart. Just three months before, the teenager from Walton on Thames, Surrey, had undergone major back surgery for scoliosis and started the difficult process of recovery. Seconds after her moment of doubt, she was plunging down the slide with her little sister, while their mum Tamara looked on.
“We are eternally grateful to Mr Lucas and The Portland team. The surgery has had such a positive effect on Hattie.”
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