Mehta Casting in Infants and Toddlers

Although Mehta casting is not a new technique for treating early-onset scoliosis in infants and toddlers, it has been shown to be very effective, particularly in correcting moderate scoliosis. The spine surgeons at Akron Children’s are specially trained in this casting technique, which was developed more than 50 years ago by British orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Min Mehta.

The process

Mehta casting allows for gentle, permanent correction of your child’s infantile scoliosis without surgery. If the curve of your child’s spine is more severe, Mehta casting may also be a good option to improve your child’s curve and delay surgery until your child is older.

Your child will be placed in the Mehta cast for one year. The cast will be changed every 6-12 weeks as your child grows. The first 2 years are a time of rapid growth for children, so the Mehta cast works by helping the spine straighten as it grows. This is also why early detection and treatment of infantile scoliosis are so important. 

To make the process easier and more comfortable for your child, the cast is applied under general anesthesia. Special garments and padding will also be placed under the cast to keep your child as comfortable as possible. Akron Children’s is the only Northeast Ohio hospital that uses waterproof casts, which make it more convenient for you to bathe your child. 

Once the curvature of your child’s spine is corrected, a brace will be used to make sure the spine stays in alignment as your child continues to grow.