Ongoing Pediatric Spine Research Offers Hope for Children with Complex Spine Conditions

For families facing difficult decisions about their child’s spine care, new research is offering promising alternatives. Dr. Taemin Oh, Co-Director of Complex Pediatric Spinal Neurosurgery and Director of Pediatric Neurosurgical Scoliosis at Columbia University Irving Medical Center/CHONY, is leading advances in pediatric spine surgery that focus on safety, recovery, and preserving a child’s natural motion.

With more than 70 peer-reviewed publications and an H-index of 32 on Google Scholar, Dr. Oh’s research is widely recognized and frequently cited in the field. His work has shaped the direction of pediatric scoliosis care, vertebral body tethering, and other minimally invasive approaches. By combining his research with his surgical expertise, Dr. Oh is expanding access to innovative, fusionless options that improve recovery and preserve mobility for children and families across New York and beyond.

Spotlight on Scoliosis: Motion-Preserving Alternatives to Spinal Fusion

Dr. Oh’s most recent publication in Spine analyzed ten years of outcomes with vertebral body tethering (VBT), a motion-preserving alternative to spinal fusion in children with scoliosis. Unlike fusion, which permanently stiffens the spine, VBT allows continued growth and flexibility by tethering one side of the spine.

The study revealed encouraging trends:

• Overcorrection rates have declined significantly in recent years, thanks to better patient selection and refined surgical techniques.
• Tether breakages remain a challenge, especially in the lower (lumbar) spine, but outcomes in the mid-spine (thoracic) are improving.

Every year we learn more about how to refine this technique,” Dr. Oh explains. “Our goal is to offer children the most effective treatment with the least disruption to their lives.

Minimally Invasive Pediatric Spine Surgery in NYC

In addition to scoliosis, Dr. Oh’s research and practice are bringing minimally invasive spine surgery options to children in New York City. At CHONY, he performs minimally invasive procedures for spinal conditions like herniated discs, spondylolisthesis, and Bertolotti’s Syndrome. These approaches mean:

• Smaller incisions
• Less pain after surgery
• Faster recoveries
• In some cases, same-day discharge

Improving Care for Complex Conditions

Dr. Oh’s research also addresses some of the most challenging pediatric neurosurgical conditions:

• Chiari malformation – studying surgical strategies to reduce complications and improve long-term results.
• Tethered cord and spina bifida – advancing approaches that reduce tension on the spinal cord without the risk of spinal fluid leak.
• Cervical spine deformities – improving safety and outcomes in highly delicate, and complex surgeries.

   

From Research to Recovery

While Dr. Oh’s work is frequently published in leading neurosurgical and spine journals, his research is designed with families in mind. His goal is simple: to make surgery safer, recovery faster, and outcomes better for every child he treats.

Parents want to know two things,” says Dr. Oh. “Will my child get better? And how quickly can they return to being a kid again? That’s what drives my research — finding answers that make surgery safer and recovery smoother.

A Leader in Pediatric Spine Surgery

Dr. Oh is one of the only pediatric neurosurgeons in the country with dual fellowship training in both pediatric neurosurgery and pediatric spine surgery — and the only one in New York City. He holds dual appointments in Columbia’s Departments of Neurosurgery and Orthopedic Surgery, allowing him to bridge expertise across both specialties.

Through his research and surgical practice, Dr. Oh is helping families across New York and beyond gain access to advanced scoliosis treatment, minimally invasive pediatric spine surgery, and innovative fusionless options that preserve childhood mobility and quality of life.