Our Summary

This research study looked at how well adolescent patients with a condition called idiopathic scoliosis, a curvature of the spine, walk after having surgery to straighten and stabilize their spine. The researchers wanted to see if the unfused section of the spine (the part not affected by the surgery) moves more to compensate for the section that has been fused and therefore has less mobility.

To test this, they studied 12 patients before and after surgery, using a system of markers on the skin to track the movement of different parts of the spine in relation to the pelvis. They found that the surgery did indeed reduce the range of motion in the fused area of the spine, but contrary to their hypothesis, the unfused part of the spine didn’t move more to compensate for this. In fact, the unfused part also moved less after the surgery.

This suggests that the idea of the unfused part of the spine compensating for the fused part may not be accurate. This is a significant finding as it challenges a widely debated topic in this field.

FAQs

  1. What was the main objective of the research study on adolescent patients with idiopathic scoliosis?
  2. What method was used to track the movement of different parts of the spine in relation to the pelvis during the study?
  3. What were the findings of the study regarding the movement of the unfused part of the spine after surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor may advise a patient undergoing spinal fusion surgery to follow a proper post-operative rehabilitation plan to ensure optimal recovery and mobility. They may recommend physical therapy exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding the spine and improve flexibility. Patients should also practice good posture and body mechanics to protect the fused area and prevent additional strain on the spine. It is important for patients to follow their doctor’s instructions carefully and attend all follow-up appointments to monitor progress and address any concerns.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended spinal fusion surgery include those with severe spinal deformities such as scoliosis, kyphosis, or spondylolisthesis, as well as those with degenerative conditions such as spinal stenosis, herniated discs, or spinal fractures. Other factors that may indicate the need for spinal fusion surgery include chronic pain, instability of the spine, and neurological symptoms such as weakness or numbness in the extremities. Ultimately, the decision to recommend spinal fusion surgery is made on a case-by-case basis by a team of healthcare professionals, including orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, and physical therapists.

Timeline

Before spinal fusion:

  • Patient experiences chronic back pain, numbness, weakness, or other symptoms related to the spinal condition
  • Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to determine the extent of the spinal problem
  • Patient consults with a spine specialist to discuss treatment options, including the possibility of spinal fusion surgery
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative preparations such as physical therapy, medication management, and lifestyle changes to optimize health before surgery

After spinal fusion:

  • Patient undergoes spinal fusion surgery, where the surgeon fuses together two or more vertebrae in the spine to stabilize and straighten the spine
  • Patient stays in the hospital for a few days to recover and monitor for any complications
  • Patient undergoes post-operative physical therapy and rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility in the spine
  • Patient may experience some pain and discomfort during the recovery period, which can be managed with medication and physical therapy
  • Patient gradually resumes normal activities and may experience improved spine alignment and reduced pain over time

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after spinal fusion surgery involves a series of steps to diagnose, treat, and recover from the spinal condition. The surgery itself aims to stabilize the spine and reduce symptoms, with the goal of improving the patient’s quality of life and function.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about spinal fusion include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with spinal fusion surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery process after spinal fusion surgery?
  3. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after the surgery?
  4. What are the expected outcomes in terms of pain relief and improved mobility?
  5. How long will the fusion take to fully heal and what limitations will I have during this time?
  6. Will the surgery affect my ability to participate in certain activities or sports in the future?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments to spinal fusion that I should consider?
  8. How long will I need to take pain medication after the surgery?
  9. What type of follow-up care will I need after the surgery?
  10. Are there any long-term effects or considerations I should be aware of after undergoing spinal fusion surgery?

Reference

Authors: Holewijn RM, Kingma I, de Kleuver M, Keijsers NLW. Journal: Spine J. 2018 Dec;18(12):2213-2219. doi: 10.1016/j.spinee.2018.05.010. Epub 2018 May 7. PMID: 29746962