Who we treat
Paediatric Patients
At Harbour Spine Surgeons, we understand the importance of providing expert, thoughtful care for children and adolescents with spinal conditions. Our team offers comprehensive assessment, clear communication and personalised treatment, working closely with families to support informed decisions and the best possible outcomes.
Our Commitment
Children and adolescents have unique spinal care needs. Growth, development, and skeletal maturity all influence how spinal conditions present and how they are best managed. While many children require only careful monitoring, while others may benefit from bracing or, in selected cases, surgery.
Dr Randolph Gray and Dr Nathan Hartin are experienced paediatric spine surgeons who hold appointments at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, the state’s principal paediatric hospital. They provide specialist assessment, evidence-based management, and ongoing care for children and adolescents with spinal conditions, supporting patients and their families from diagnosis through to adulthood where required.
Specialist paediatric expertise
Surgeons hold appointments at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, and have extensive experience caring for children and adolescents with spinal conditions.
Growth-informed management
Treatment is tailored to your child’s age, stage of growth and skeletal maturity, with management options ranging from careful observation and bracing to surgery when clinically appropriate.
Family-centred care
We provide clear explanations, involve children and their families in decision-making and offer compassionate support at every stage of the care journey.
How we can help
Our surgeons provide specialist assessment and management for a wide range of paediatric spinal conditions, including:
- Paediatric and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (early and late onset)
- Congenital scoliosis and vertebral malformations
- Neuromuscular scoliosis (including cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy)
- Syndromic scoliosis
- Kyphosis and other spinal deformity
- Spinal trauma in children and adolescents
- Paediatric spinal tumours
- Back pain in children and adolescents
Timely access to bracing
When bracing is recommended as part of a child’s treatment plan, we work closely with the Orthotic Department at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and select private orthotic providers to ensure timely access and coordinated care.
Supporting referrers
We strongly value collaborative, coordinated care and believe Veterans achieve the best outcomes when there is open communication and close collaboration between treating health professionals. With the Veterans consent we work closely with:
- General Practitioners
- Allied health practitioners
- Rehabilitation providers
- Veteran health providers
- Treating specialists and clinicians involved in the Veteran’s care.
We aim to make the referral process as seamless and supportive as possible. Our team will discuss complex cases, provide guidance on appropriate referral pathways and funding, and answer clinical questions to help ensure Veterans receive timely, coordinated and high-quality care.
Additional support we provide
Harbour Spine Surgeons also offers
- Educational events for health professionals
- Clinical case discussion and support
- A dedicated health professional Support Line for clinicians seeking advice during business hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my child has scoliosis?
Scoliosis is often first noticed by parents or teachers, or health professionals. Signs may include, one shoulder sitting higher, an asymmetrical waist, or a prominent shoulder blade when bending forward. If scoliosis is suspected, your surgeon may recommend a scan to confirm the diagnosis and assess the degree of curvature.
Will my child need surgery?
Most children do not. Many spinal conditions can be managed with observation or non-surgical treatment. For scoliosis, smaller curves are often monitored over time, while progressing curves in growing children may be managed with bracing. Surgery is generally considered only for larger or progressive curves, typically around 45–50 degrees or greater, or where it is clinically indicated. Your surgeon will discuss the most appropriate treatment options based on your child’s individual circumstances.
Do we need a referral?
Yes. A current referral from your GP, paediatrician, or another specialist is required to claim the Medicare rebate.