Our Summary

This research paper looks at the effectiveness of a less invasive type of surgery (called MISS) for treating adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), which is a condition where the spine of a teenager curves in an abnormal way. This new surgery method was compared to the traditional, more invasive surgery (known as COSS).

In the study, 86 patients with AIS who had undergone either of these surgeries were studied. The traditional surgery involves a fusion of the back, while the new method involves a fusion of the facet joints (the small, stabilizing joints between and behind adjacent vertebrae) using three different types of bone grafts.

The results showed that the fusion rates (how well the spine healed and fused together after surgery) were similar between the traditional and the new method. Moreover, it didn’t matter which type of bone graft was used in the new method - the fusion rates were the same.

In simple terms, the study found that this new, less invasive surgery is as effective as the traditional one in treating AIS, regardless of the type of bone graft used.

FAQs

  1. What is the new, less invasive method of surgery for treating adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) called?
  2. How does the new method of surgery for AIS (MISS) compare to the traditional method (COSS) in terms of fusion rates?
  3. Does the type of bone graft used in the new surgery method impact its effectiveness?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about scoliosis surgery is to discuss with their surgeon about the possibility of using the less invasive MISS method for treating their condition. This method has been shown to be just as effective as the traditional surgery, with potentially fewer risks and a shorter recovery time. It’s important for patients to have open communication with their doctor and to explore all their options before making a decision about surgery.

Suitable For

Patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis who are recommended for scoliosis surgery may benefit from this less invasive MISS surgery method. This includes patients with moderate to severe curvature of the spine that is not responding to conservative treatments such as bracing or physical therapy. Additionally, patients who are experiencing pain, difficulty breathing, or other symptoms due to their scoliosis may also be recommended for surgery. Ultimately, the decision to undergo scoliosis surgery should be made in consultation with a spine specialist who can evaluate the individual patient’s condition and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

Timeline

Before scoliosis surgery:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) through physical examination and imaging tests.
  2. Patient undergoes conservative treatments such as bracing and physical therapy to manage the curvature of the spine.
  3. If conservative treatments are ineffective or if the curvature worsens, surgery may be recommended as a treatment option.

During scoliosis surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes pre-operative preparations such as blood tests, imaging scans, and consultation with the surgical team.
  2. Surgery is performed to correct the curvature of the spine by either traditional fusion surgery or the less invasive MISS surgery.
  3. The surgery involves realigning the spine, placing screws and rods to stabilize the spine, and fusing the vertebrae together to prevent further curvature.

After scoliosis surgery:

  1. Patient stays in the hospital for a few days for monitoring and pain management.
  2. Patient undergoes physical therapy to regain strength and mobility in the spine.
  3. Patient may need to wear a brace for a period of time to support the spine during the healing process.
  4. Follow-up appointments with the surgical team are scheduled to monitor the progress of the spine healing and to address any post-operative complications.
  5. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and may experience improved posture and reduced pain as the spine heals and stabilizes.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about scoliosis surgery include:

  1. What are the risks and potential complications associated with scoliosis surgery?
  2. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after surgery?
  3. How will scoliosis surgery affect my daily activities, such as school or work?
  4. Are there any alternative treatment options to surgery for scoliosis?
  5. What is the success rate of scoliosis surgery in terms of correcting the spinal curvature?
  6. Will I need any additional surgeries or treatments in the future after scoliosis surgery?
  7. How often will I need follow-up appointments and monitoring after surgery?
  8. What type of anesthesia will be used during scoliosis surgery and what are the associated risks?
  9. How experienced is the surgical team in performing scoliosis surgeries, particularly the specific type of surgery being recommended?
  10. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after scoliosis surgery to ensure successful outcomes?

Reference

Authors: Yang JH, Kim HJ, Chang DG, Suh SW. Journal: BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2023 Jan 14;24(1):30. doi: 10.1186/s12891-023-06134-1. PMID: 36639795