Michael Vitale MD MPH

06/05/2026

So proud of Drs. O'Connor, Arvind, and Coury for representing our spine research team and presenting in the Best Paper Finalists session at the Safety in Spine Surgery Summit today.

06/04/2026

AI will make us better, safer spine surgeons.

This is the first of 6 projects we are conducting, showing the power of using AI interpretation of intraoperative neuromonitoring as a decision support tool.

Please take a look at this first paper. And excited to introduce our new AI Spine Program Manager, Michael Bouvette (“borrowed” from Amazon’s AI Division), who will be driving these proof-of-concept results to real-time decision support in our operating rooms.

The future is here.

Full-text access: https://link.springer.com/epdf/10.1007/s43390-026-01461-4?sharing_token=MDXUMaiwPMYvblYMqRcBTPe4RwlQNchNByi7wbcMAY43F49Jh5cYgLLowoyR859eBhhiUZiNn7Dm6I8KykJVHL6AJDlN-Gq8bWo6ZL5RGkngnxtYme2vpXvKR5On685mV3MTqg_E3bHt6n8H9KrKglgsNqRaeGamXKSKG2CVapE%3D

06/04/2026

As part of Scoliosis Awareness Month, we are sharing information to help families recognize the signs of scoliosis and understand the importance of early detection.

Scoliosis is a three-dimensional curvature of the spine that most commonly develops during adolescence. It is often first noticed by a parent, pediatrician, or during a school screening. Common signs include uneven shoulders, shoulder blades, ribs, or hips. Early detection is especially important during periods of rapid growth, when curves are most likely to progress. Awareness leads to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes for children with scoliosis.

05/25/2026

The full recording of our May 2026 Scoliosis Lunch & Learn webinar is now available on YouTube.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the discussion. For those who were unable to attend live, the webinar recording can now be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODpOvsr-LJs

Registration also remains open for the 12th Annual Best-in-Class Symposium on the Pediatric Spine on June 18, offered both in person and virtually. We hope you will join us for a day of learning and discussion focused on advancing pediatric spine care!
Register here: https://www.columbiaortho.org/education/professional-education/12th-annual-best-class-symposium-pediatric-spine

Streamed live on May 18, 2026, the Columbia University Department o...

05/11/2026

Excited to share the launch of Mastering Pediatric Spinal Deformity, a practical guide for orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons focused on pediatric spinal deformity.

Chapters emphasize high-yield clinical takeaways, including real-world clinical decision making, surgical technique, perioperative management, complications, and systems-based care in pediatric spine surgery.

While I’ve written several books on the topic of spinal deformity, I’m particularly proud of this one, written with my partner, Lawrence G. Lenke, MD, and two of our amazing former spine deformity fellows, who are now leaders in their field and champions of education, completing the virtuous cycle of teacher, student, teacher.

https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-032-13489-9

05/05/2026

So happy that my very first meeting at POSNA 2026 in Orlando was with my friend and colleague Ameeka George, who now leads the APP program at Stanford Children’s Health and serves on the board of POPS.

We miss you, Ameeka, but are so proud of all the incredible work you’re doing!

05/01/2026

How are expert surgeons using technology to keep spine surgery patients safe?
In this short video, Dr. Louie explains how tools like navigation and neuromonitoring
enhance precision, protect nerve function, and support better outcomes—while
emphasizing the importance of choosing the right surgical approach for each patient.
If you’re a spine surgeon or part of a care team, share this valuable resource with your
patients before surgery to help patients better understand how technology supports their
safety and care.

Watch and share: https://safetyinspinesurgery.com/patient-resources/
New patient videos released weekly in partnership with the National Spine Health
Foundation

04/28/2026

Meet Addison, a competitive horseback rider whose journey with scoliosis began at age 9.

She was referred to Dr. Vitale after her pediatrician noticed asymmetry at a routine visit. At presentation, she had curves of 31° and 23° and began treatment with bracing and Schroth physical therapy. Despite excellent compliance over several years, her curve continued to progress.

By age 14, her main thoracic curve had reached the surgical range. After careful discussion with Addison and her family, we proceeded with a posterior spinal fusion from T2–L1.

She did very well post-operatively, standing and walking the day after surgery and steadily regaining strength each day.

Just three months later, Addison was back on horseback. Today, she has returned to competitive riding, recently qualified for regionals, and is also playing varsity field hockey. She describes herself as stronger than ever.

Reflecting on her journey, Addison shared:
“I was nervous, scared, but also excited. Mindset was everything to me. I was determined to get back to doing what I love.”

Her story is a reminder that while scoliosis treatment can feel overwhelming, it does not limit what is possible. With the right care, timing, and support, patients can return to the activities they love—and often come back even stronger.

Addison’s resilience continues to inspire our entire team.

You can read more patient stories on my website:
https://pediatricscoliosissurgery.com/patient-cases-stories/patient-stories/

04/24/2026

Don’t miss this abnormality on x-ray.

On an AP spine radiograph, each vertebra should appear symmetric. The vertebral body is centered, the spinous process lies in the midline, and the pedicles project laterally on either side as two round, evenly spaced densities. This normal appearance is often compared to an owl’s face: the pedicles are the eyes, and the spinous process forms the beak.

The “winking owl” sign occurs when one pedicle is no longer visible. Instead of two symmetric “eyes,” one appears absent, creating the appearance of a wink. This is not a normal variant. It reflects underlying pathology, most commonly a lesion involving the vertebral body that extends into and disrupts the pedicle.

This 7-year-old had a resection of a large Aneurysmal Bone Cyst compressing his spinal cord Wednesday by my interdisciplinary team including Drs Oh (Neurosurgery), Tyler (Orthopedic Oncology) and Imahiyerobo (Plastic Surgery) and is doing great!

I am fortunate to work with such talented surgeons helping to take care of complex spine problems.

A subtle asymmetry on x-ray, but one that warrants a closer look.

04/24/2026

What can patients do to improve their spine surgery recovery?

In this short video, Drs. Glassman and Louie share what patients can do before and after surgery to support a smoother, safer recovery: from preparation and communication to understanding their role in the healing process.

If you’re a spine surgeon or part of a care team, consider sharing this video with your patients before surgery. It’s a valuable resource to help patients feel more confident, prepared, and supported every step of the way.

Watch and share: https://safetyinspinesurgery.com/patient-resources/

New patient videos released weekly in partnership with the National Spine Health Foundation