Comprehensive pediatric spine care with surgical and nonsurgical options is now centralized at Norton Children’s Leatherman Spine.

Published: May 1, 2026 | Updated: June 2, 2026

Families in Kentucky and Indiana seeking specialized spine care for their children now have a centralized location and expertise close to home.

Norton Children’s and Norton Leatherman Spine have established Norton Children’s Leatherman Spine, affiliated with UofL School of Medicine, a dedicated practice serving children with spine disorders at two Louisville locations: downtown on Gray Street and in the East End off Breckenridge Lane.

The practice brings together pediatric orthopedic and spine surgeons with training and experience in caring for conditions including scoliosis, kyphosis, congenital spine deformities, spondylolisthesis and spondylolysis.

In 2025, more than 3,100 children received care for scoliosis through Norton Healthcare and Norton Children’s. Scoliosis is the most common spinal deformity in children, affecting an estimated 2% to 3% of adolescents. Establishing Norton Children’s Leatherman Spine will provide families with more access to spine care in the region.

“Children with spine disorders deserve care from pediatric specialists who understand their unique needs and in a centralized setting,” said Steven D. Glassman, M.D., orthopedic spine surgeon and medical director of Norton Leatherman Spine. “By bringing the right team together, we can offer the full range of options and guide families through every step of the process.”

Norton Children’s Leatherman Spine offers a full range of surgical and nonsurgical options, recognizing that many spinal conditions are effectively managed without surgery.

The practice name honors Kenton D. Leatherman, M.D., widely known for his groundbreaking work on repairing scoliosis. Dr. Leatherman founded the Children’s Hospital Department of Orthopedics and performed the first scoliosis surgery in Kentucky in the 1950s. He later pioneered the use of several technological advances in the United States aimed at treating patients with spinal deformities. He also established the region’s first scoliosis clinic, which grew into today’s Norton Leatherman Spine, home to one of the most acclaimed spine programs in the country.

When to Refer: Pediatric & Adolescent Spine Conditions

Norton Children’s Leatherman Spine works closely with referring providers to ensure timely access to comprehensive pediatric spine care. Our team offers both nonsurgical and advanced surgical options, supported by streamlined advanced imaging, bracing, and innovative treatments for scoliosis and complex spinal deformities.

Refer to Norton Children’s Leatherman Spine when you identify:

Scoliosis and Spinal Deformity

• Suspected or confirmed scoliosis (curve ≥10 degrees)
• Rapidly progressing spinal curvature
• Asymmetry on exam (uneven shoulders, rib hump, waistline changes)
• Kyphosis or abnormal sagittal alignment
• Congenital spinal deformities

Pain and Functional Concerns

• Persistent back pain in children or adolescents (especially with night pain or activity limitation)
• Back pain associated with neurologic symptoms (weakness, numbness, gait changes)
• Athletes with suspected spondylolysis or spondylolisthesis
• Back that has decreased sports performance or has limited sports participation

Imaging or Exam Findings

• Abnormal spinal imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT)
• Vertebral anomalies or suspected instability
• Failed improvement with conservative management like physical therapy

Urgent or Complex Cases

• Neurologic deficits, gait abnormalities or signs of spinal cord involvement (clonus, or brisk deep tendon reflexes)
• Bowel or bladder dysfunction
• Severe or rigid deformities
• Early-onset scoliosis (age <10)
• Complex syndromic or neuromuscular conditions