Our spine is an engineering marvel that supports our weight and ties our body together. The spinal column consists of a stack of small bones that range in size from 2-3 inches to 5-6 inches in diameter. When viewed from the front, the spine appears to be straight, but when looked at from the side, the normal spine has two gentle S-curves.
Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine. In scoliosis, the spine curves to the side when viewed from the front, and each vertebra also twists on the next one in a corkscrew fashion.
Scoliosis surgery is one of the longest and most complicated orthopedic surgical procedures performed on children or adult. The operation takes approximately six hours. Hospitalization can last several days and activities are restricted for several months. Scoliosis is best treated when found early and can be detected during a routine school screening.
Scoliosis surgery is designed to reduce the patient’s curvature and fuse the spine to prevent any further progression of the deformity. Surgery for adolescents with scoliosis is only recommended when their curves are greater than 40 to 45 degrees and continuing to progress, and for most patients with curves that are greater than 50 degrees. Severe curvatures (greater than 50 degrees) are more likely to progress in adulthood. If a curve is allowed to progress to 70 – 90 degrees, it will not only result in a very disfiguring deformity, but will start to result in cardiopulmonary compromise. each other, forming a C or S shape in the spine.
What are various types of scoliosis?
Functional Scoliosis
In this type of scoliosis, the spine is normal, but an abnormal curve develops because of a problem somewhere else in the body. This could be caused by one leg being shorter than the other or by muscle spasms in the back.
Neuromuscular Scoliosis
In this type of scoliosis, there is a problem when the bones of the spine are formed. Either the bones of the spine fail to form completely or they fail to separate from each other during fetal development. This type of scoliosis develops in people with other disorders, including, birth defects and muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy, or Marfan's disease. People with these conditions often develop a long C-shaped curve and have weak muscles that are unable to hold them up straight. If the curve is present at birth, it is called congenital. This type of scoliosis is often much more severe and needs more aggressive treatment than other forms of scoliosis.
Degenrative Scoliosis
Unlike the other forms of scoliosis that are found in children and teens, degenerative scoliosis occurs in older adults. It is caused by changes in the spine due to arthritis known as spondylosis. Weakening of the normal ligaments and other soft tissues of the spine combined with abnormal bone spurs can lead to an abnormal curvature of the spine. The spine can also be affected by osteoporosis, vertebral compression fractures, and disc degeneration
Expected Results
Scoliosis surgery in India which involves spinal fusion is quite successful in stopping the curve from growing. With sophisticated techniques, doctors can straighten the curve to a great extent which improves the patient's appearance and functioning to a great extent.
Recovery
You would have a lot of pain after the surgery which would be controlled with pain medications. You would stay at the hospital for about a week to ten days to make sure you are on the right healing path. The surgeon would advise you to start walking on second or third day of the surgery and physical therapy would begin on the third or fourth day of the surgery.
Most people return to school and work in 3-4 weeks. Full recovery can take from 4-6 months and most people can resume other activities and even sports after an advice from the surgeon.
Owing to availability of state of the art hospitals, a lot many patients come to India for scoliosis surgery. Scoliosis surgery in India is being performed by highly experienced orthopedic surgeons and doctors. Besides quality of treatment, the cost of the surgery in India is much less than the cost of the surgery in USA, UK or Canada.
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