INDIANAPOLIS -- Doctors say a disfiguring condition that impacts children can be caught early, saving pain and expense.

Scoliosis, which is a malformation of the spine, often isn't found until a child develops a noticeable hump in the back.

Shelbyville teen Suzzanna Oakes was born with severe scoliosis. She has already endured two surgeries and faces another nine-hour operation to straighten her back.

"I tried to hide it sometimes. I didn't like it all that much, so I didn't want anybody to know about it," Oakes said.

Suzzanna's spine was curved and rotated out of place, pressing against her ribs, lungs and pelvis, causing pain.

Surgeries can correct the curvatures, but Dr. David Schwartz, of Ortho Indy, said a simple screening can avoid a four-week hospital stay such as what Suzzanna has had to endure.

"I'd like to see them screened right around the ages of 11 or 12, fifth or sixth grade. They can be screened at school," Schwartz said. "This way, if we pick up on it early, we can bring them in and really take care of it before it gets to this magnitude."

In some cases, a brace or less-invasive surgery can correct the spine. Scoliosis can go unnoticed and usually doesn't hurt.

Early signs include uneven shoulders or breasts, elevated hips, or leaning to one side.

As Suzzanna waits for the final surgery, she wears a halo contraption that keeps her back straight. Doctors said she will be six inches taller when she leaves the hospital.

Ortho Indy has teamed up with Clarian North Medical Center to provide free scoliosis screenings. More information is available by calling 317-688-2067.