Scoliosis Correction Surgeries
Scoliosis causes the spine to curve sideways abnormally. It can be caused by some conditions such as muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy, however cause is unknown in most cases. It generally occurs during the growth period prior puberty. Mild cases of scoliosis are often manageable, however some deformities get worse if left untreated. Severe cases of scoliosis can affect the functions of lungs and be disabling in life. The case should be monitored using X-Rays to check if it is getting worse. Surgery might be preferred to correct severe cases as well as cases that keep getting worse.
Short Information
Before the Procedure
The surgeon will evaluate the overall health and medical history of the patient, and might temporarily change some medications the patient is using with other alternatives. Pre-surgical tests such as blood test and x-rays will be made several days prior to surgery. The surgeon will discuss about the patients lifestyle and perform physical examinations to find to cause of the problem.
During the Procedure
There are different techniques and approaches for a Spinal surgery. Most common methods are Spinal Fusion and Osteotomy. The surgeon will work through a small incision through an incision that is placed in the middle back most of the time. The vertebrae are loosen by removal of the joins in between and roughened up so that the body starts producing new bone tissue. In time, the bone made by the body fills the gaps between the vertebrae and fuse them together. Metal implants like screws and hooks mire placed to hold the spine in shape during the fusion process. Bone grafts obtained from the patients own body may be used to speed up the healing during the fusion process.
After the Procedure
Some pain, stiffness and soreness is normal after the surgery. Medications can be used to control the pain for the first days. Darins might be placed for a short time on the side of the chest to avoid air and fluid accumulation at the incision site. Incision should be taken care of as directed by the surgeon after hospital discharge. Lung function may slightly decrease after the surgery, and respiratory exercises such as deep breathing are recommended for the first 3 weeks to improve breathing. Lungs are checked routinely at doctor visits.
Walking is recommended, however patients should avoid bending, twisting and lifting until the surgeon approves. No heavy physical activity or sports is allowed for the first 3 months. After this period, patients are advised to increase their activity gradually and start with conditioning exercises such as swimming, treadmill or jogging. After full recovery there won’t be any activity restrictions, however some sports such as gymnastics may be risky.
