Kate L. Iwamoto, M.D., is a pediatrician with Mercy Family Care Physicians in Downtown Baltimore.
Mercy's team of top surgeons are known for their expertise in correcting ankle deformities caused by unsuccessful ankle fracture treatments.
The Center for Interventional Pain Medicine at Mercy provides leading edge pain treatment options to patients throughout the Baltimore Metropolitan area.
Mercy offers emergency care on the Downtown Baltimore campus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (410-332-9477) with access to a trained emergency medicine team, diagnostic services and consultations with specialists.
In case of an Emergency, Dial 911 and follow the instructions of the EMS (Emergency Medical Services) team.
Mercy Medical Center's downtown campus includes our Main Hospital - The Mary Catherine Bunting Center, McAuley Plaza and The Weinberg Center.
General visiting hours at Mercy are 11:00 am to 8:30 pm. Hours vary by floor, please check with the nursing staff or call 410-332-9555.
Scoliosis is a condition where the spine has an abnormal side-to-side curve. This 3D medical animation explains the anatomy of the spine as well as treatment for scoliosis.
At The Maryland Spine Center at Mercy in Baltimore, our expert spine surgeons provide treatment options for all types of scoliosis, including adolescent, congenital and degenerative. Our doctors are dedicated to continued research for the advancement of treatments available for patients suffering with scoliosis.
Scoliosis is a sideways (lateral) curvature of the spine. Most forms of scoliosis progress rapidly during adolescent growth years before slowing. Adolescent scoliosis is the most common form of scoliosis. This type of scoliosis does not become noticeable until the growth spurt begins in adolescence. Its cause is unknown and so it is sometimes called idiopathic scoliosis. Adolescent scoliosis most commonly occurs in females.
Scoliosis may cause:
Severe curves of the spine can compromise the function of the heart and lungs. Spine specialists diagnose scoliosis in adolescents by conducting a physical exam and possibly a neurological exam to test for weakness, numbness and reflexes. Imaging testing such as X-rays, MRIs and bone scans may also be conducted.
Mild forms of scoliosis in adolescents typically do not require treatment. Depending on the patient’s growth and severity of the curve, a brace may be recommended to help lessen the progression of the curve.
Surgery is a treatment option for severe scoliosis. The spine surgeons at The Maryland Spine Center use special spinal instrumentation that gradually applies corrective forces in all 3-dimensions to address all aspects of the spine deformity. It is rarely necessary to open the chest or abdomen. Using these methods, our spine surgeons are able to achieve better correction of the deformity than previously available.
A woman with scoliosis seeks out Mercy's doctors for a successful, life-changing surgical treatment.
Dr. Mara Vucich is a physiatrist, or doctor of physical and rehabilitative medicine, who treats patients with spine conditions including arthritis, spinal stenosis, degeneration of the spine, back and neck strains and disc herniations.