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Eldin Karaikovic

Bio

Phone: 1-866-730-5757

Dr. Eldin Karaikovic is a senior attending orthopaedic surgeon at NorthShore University HealthSystem with an expertise in orthopaedic surgery, adult and pediatric spine surgery, and orthopedic trauma. He specializes in discectomies, kyphoplasty, short segment fusion for scoliosis, and spinal fusions. Dr. Karaikovic holds position as a clinical assistant professor at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.


Activity

  • Eldin Karaikovic
    Eldin Karaikovic of NorthShore University HealthSystem answered:
    What testing is needed for children with a family history of scoliosis?
    Children who have a family history of scoliosis have a higher risk of development of scoliosis. Nevertheless every child should be checked for scoliosis during a routing pediatrician exam. Scoliosis usually starts in adolescents but can be seen earlier as well. Make sure that your physician...  Full Post
  • Eldin Karaikovic
    Eldin Karaikovic of NorthShore University HealthSystem answered:
    What is progressive scoliosis?
    Progressive scoliosis means that the curvature of the spine is getting worse (getting "more curved" if you will) over time. One can know with certainty if one's curvature is "progressive" (worsening) only by comparing spine x-rays from different time periods.The curvature or a degree of ...  Full Post
  • Eldin Karaikovic
    Eldin Karaikovic of NorthShore University HealthSystem answered:
    What treatments may help the hip and leg pain from scoliosis?
    Degenerative scoliosis can cause spinal stenosis, which compresses the nerves in the spinal canal and causes sciatica. This sciatica can then be interpreted as hip or leg pain since the nerve runs from the spinal column into the foot. A "cortisone shot" (epidural steroid injection = ESI)...  Full Post
  • Eldin Karaikovic
    Eldin Karaikovic of NorthShore University HealthSystem answered:
    What can the blood test for scoliosis determine?
    It appears that this test is very useful. It predicts that one's curvature has higher or lower chances of progression. This might reduce the amount of radiation a child receives during the follow up by reducing the number of required follow up visits. The test is indicated for children from...  Full Post
  • Eldin Karaikovic
    Eldin Karaikovic of NorthShore University HealthSystem answered:
    How have braces for scoliosis changed?
    Several adjustments to braces used for scoliosis in the past were made. I must say adjustments had to be made because kids today do not want to wear those cumbersome metallic braces that looked like cages anymore. The braces now are much lighter, are made of plastic, and do not include the...  Full Post
  • Eldin Karaikovic
    Eldin Karaikovic of NorthShore University HealthSystem answered:
    How does family history affect the risk for scoliosis?
    There is more and more evidence in the literature that there is some genetic predisposition for scoliosis although it has not been completely confirmed and a single "scoliosis" gene identified. We know that scoliosis runs in families, but a clear way of transmission has not be established. Girls...  Full Post
  • Eldin Karaikovic
    Eldin Karaikovic of NorthShore University HealthSystem answered:
    What is progressive scoliosis?
    Progressive scoliosis means that the curvature of the spine is getting worse (getting "more curved" if you will) over time. One can know with certainty if one's curvature is "progressive" (worsening) only by comparing spine x-rays from different time periods.The curvature or a degree of ...  Full Post
  • Eldin Karaikovic
    Eldin Karaikovic of NorthShore University HealthSystem answered:
    How do I know if my child needs surgery for scoliosis?
    The indication for surgery is done based on a degree of curvatures (usually over 40 to 45 degrees) and their progression. The curvatures that progress rapidly, in spite of bracing, might need to be surgically treated. The younger the child and the larger the curvature, the higher the likelihood...  Full Post
  • Eldin Karaikovic
    Eldin Karaikovic of NorthShore University HealthSystem answered:
    How can scoliosis be prevented?
    The onset of scoliosis unfortunately cannot be prevented, but its course can be altered (improved) with early recognition and treatment. That is why it is important that children (especially with a family history of scoliosis) are checked regularly by their pediatrician and family members.
     Full Post