Third opinion received from Shriners Hospital

Local friends and professional told us that Shriner's Hospitals for Children are experts in scoliosis treatment. Although we were satisfied with are second opinion, we went to Shriner's just to "check it out."
Dr. Asgar, the orothedic surgeon there spent over an hour with us followed by Janet Cerrone, PA. Dr. Ashgar throughly explained scoliosis and the evolution of the surgeries for the disease. He showed us x-rays of other children that had the disease and before and after surgery films to compare. We learned that they are researching a different surical technigue using staples in the vertebrae to control the curve. He explained that the research is relatively new but that the staple technige and avoid some of the complications that the grwoing rods create-such as a stiffening of the spine and rod breakage.
Janet Cerrone spent another hour with us discussing bracing and thoroughly examed Luke. She noticed what we had seen at our previous two appointments. Luke had a non-reactive abdomneal reflex on one side.
Luke had the bending x-rays that day at Shriner's. He was measured for a brace and was given the choice of color or pattern for the brace. The choices were numerous ranging from teddy bears and firetrucks to outerspace scenes. Luke picked a pattern called "solar." We also left that day with a prescrption for an MRi of the spine, to rule out any anomalies such as those mentioned by our second opinion, the cyst, the tethered cord, etc.
We were to return in 3-4 weeks, when the brace would be in and given to Luke.

Second opinion confirms treatment options

Our second appointment we scheduled with Geisinger Hospital orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Hess. He throughly examined Luke, was very friendly and patient and answered all of questions. His recommendation was to see Luke in one month, have "bending x-rays" taken and then order a brace. He mentioned that depending on the x-rays he may order an MRI of the spine. He told us that in rare instances there can be something causing the scoliosis. Examples he gave were a cyst, a tethered cord. He said that although rare, they could be easily fixed and then scoliosis would not be an issue. This to me sounded like something we should then hope for perhaps???
We planned to continue treatment with Dr. Hess and schedule a return appointment for June 6th.