Early detection of spinal abnormalities can make a big difference in your child’s overall health and well-being.
Schedule your consultation with our experienced Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising in children’s spine today.
Dr Lau Leok Lim
- Over 20 Years of Experience
- First Orthopaedic Surgeon in Singapore who is Fellowship-trained in Paediatric Spine Surgery
- Non-surgical Brace Management for Children to avoid future surgeries
- Former Project Director in optimisation of the National Scoliosis Screening Programme
- Minimally-Invasive Techniques for Faster Recovery
- Adept in utilising imaging tools for Safe Spine Surgeries
Early detection of spinal abnormalities can make a big difference in your child’s overall health and well-being.
Schedule Your Consultation with Our Experienced Spine Orthopaedic Surgeon Today.
Dr Lau Leok Lim
- Over 20 Years of Experience
- Minimally-Invasive Techniques for Faster Recovery
- Adept in using surgical tools, advanced imaging technology and neuromonitoring for Safe Spine Surgery
- Non-surgical Brace Management in Scoliosis
- Former Project Director in optimisation of the National Scoliosis Screening Programme
- First surgeon in Asia to use ‘The Tether’ for Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT)
- First surgeon in Singapore to use Mazor X Scan and Plan Workflow Robotic System
Common Types of Spinal Conditions in Children
Scoliosis
Scoliosis in children is a condition where the spine when viewed from either the front or the back is not straight. It curves sideways, forming an ‘S’ or ‘C’ shape that distorts the body contour. While mild cases may not cause significant problems, moderate and severe curves may become progressively bigger with time even in adulthood thus affecting heart and lung function. Early detection by screening, particularly of the tweeners, is crucial. Management with a good brace worn full-time may avert the need for surgery.
Spondylolysis
Spondylolysis in children is a condition where a small fracture occurs in the vertebrae, particularly at L5. This is often due to repetitive stress or overuse especially in sports involving hyperextension of the back. A child who is a gymnast, ballet dancer, long jumper, tennis player, or footballer with persistent back pain may have spondylolysis.
Kyphosis
Kyphosis in children is a condition where the thoracic spine is protruding backward, creating a rounded back or hunchback appearance. Factors such as poor posture, congenital bony abnormalities or mismatch of growth from Scheuermann’s disease may result in kyphosis. In flexible kyphosis, stretching or braces may be useful. In fixed and severe kyphosis, surgery may be required.
Scoliosis in children is a condition where the spine when viewed from either the front or the back is not straight. It curves sideways, forming an ‘S’ or ‘C’ shape that distorts the body contour.
While mild cases may not cause significant problems, moderate and severe curves may become progressively bigger with time even in adulthood thus affecting heart and lung function.
Early detection by screening, particularly of the tweeners, is crucial. Management with a good brace worn full-time may avert the need for surgery.
Spondylolysis in children is a condition where a small fracture occurs in the vertebrae, particularly at L5. This is often due to repetitive stress or overuse especially in sports involving hyperextension of the back.
A child who is a gymnast, ballet dancer, long jumper, tennis player, or footballer with persistent back pain may have spondylolysis.
Kyphosis in children is a condition where the thoracic spine is protruding backward, creating a rounded back or hunchback appearance.
Factors such as poor posture, congenital bony abnormalities or mismatch of growth from Scheuermann’s disease may result in kyphosis.
In flexible kyphosis, stretching or braces may be useful. In fixed and severe kyphosis, surgery may be required.
Common Spine Conditions
Persistent or recurrent pain of the back that may involve the gluteal or buttock region. In infants or non-communicable children crying may be the only symptom.
Tilted and rotated neck and head that may be associated with recent cough, flu or fever. Some may have recent trauma.
Difficulty in bending, twisting, or moving the back freely.
Pain, numbness, or tingling sensation that radiates from the gluteal region to the thigh and leg usually on a single leg but may involve both legs.
Pain, numbness, or tingling sensation that radiates from the shoulder to the forearm and hand.
Scoliosis may cause uneven shoulders and asymmetrical waistline. Some patients may have difficulty fitting clothing including undergarments.
Excessively short or tall stature may be the result of abnormal spinal growth associated with an underlying disorder.
Excessive hunchback can be a result of poor posture or underlying structural abnormalities. While poor posture can be fixed easily, structural abnormalities such as misshapen spinal bones may require further intervention such as bracing or surgery.
Persistent or recurrent pain of the back that may involve the gluteal or buttock region. In infants or non-communicable children crying may be the only symptom.
Tilted and rotated neck and head that may be associated with recent cough, flu or fever. Some may have recent trauma.
Difficulty in bending, twisting, or moving the back freely.
Pain, numbness, or tingling sensation that radiates from the gluteal region to the thigh and leg usually on a single leg but may involve both legs.
Pain, numbness, or tingling sensation that radiates from the shoulder to the forearm and hand.
Scoliosis may cause uneven shoulders and asymmetrical waistline. Some patients may have difficulty fitting clothing including undergarments.
Excessively short or tall stature may be the result of abnormal spinal growth associated with an underlying disorder.
Excessive hunchback can be a result of poor posture or underlying structural abnormalities. While poor posture can be fixed easily, structural abnormalities such as misshapen spinal bones may require further intervention such as bracing or surgery.
A quick assessment can make a big difference in maintaining a healthy, strong back.
Don’t Wait—Check Your Spine Today!
How are Paediatric Spinal Disorders Treated?
Observation
For mild spinal disorders & deformities, especially if the curve is not worsening, regular monitoring may be sufficient. The patient may need periodic check-ups to track any changes in abnormalities.
Bracing
For growing children and adolescents with spinal disorders & deformities, non-surgical brace management may be recommended. The purpose of the brace is to prevent any curvature or abnormalities from worsening as the child continues to grow. When identified early, paediatric spinal disorders & deformities can be treated with bracing to avoid the need for surgery in the later years.
Surgery
For more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to stop its progression.
Meet our orthopaedic specialist
DR LAU LEOK LIM
Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon (Spine)
Dr Lau is a highly skilled orthopaedic surgeon with more than 13 years of experience in the practice of spine surgery. He is experienced in both the operative and non-operative care of spinal conditions that span a wide spectrum of pathologies across all age groups. Whilst in public service, he routinely managed a high volume of patients and performed hundreds of surgeries annually.
He embraces technology such as vertebral-body tethering (VBT), robotic surgery, endoscopic deformity correction surgery and 3-D printing, where suitable, to optimise the care and safety of his patients. In the course of his work, many of his patients benefitted from his personal touch.
He is a recognised leader in the field of spine surgery and presents regularly at national and international medical conferences. He regularly volunteered his expertise at the Cerebral Palsy Alliance of Singapore (CPAS).
Languages Spoken: English, Mandarin, Malay, Chinese dialects (Hokkien, Cantonese)
20+ years of experience
4000+ cases seen annually
Fellowship trained in paediatric and adult spine surgery
Highly skilled in spinal deformity correction including severe scoliosis and kyphosis
Early detection is key
Schedule a consultation for your child to ensure their back stays healthy and strong.
Multi-Disciplinary Orthopaedic Care
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- 820 Thomson Road #06-08Mount Alvernia Medical Centre ASingapore 574623
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