Our Summary

This research paper looks at the impact of scoliosis surgery on motor function in patients with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) types 2 and 3. The study used data from multiple centers and focused on 17 patients who had their motor function assessed before and at least three months after scoliosis surgery.

The results showed that scoliosis surgery had an immediate impact on motor function. In fact, 14 out of 17 patients showed a significant decline in motor function after the surgery. This decline was permanent and did not improve over time. Interestingly, the study found that those with higher baseline motor function scores (measured before the surgery) had a worse decline after the surgery.

The researchers concluded that scoliosis surgery can have a substantial impact on a patient’s motor function. This is particularly true for patients with Spinal Muscular Atrophy and high baseline motor function scores. The findings can help doctors understand the risks of scoliosis surgery and provide better advice to patients and their families.

FAQs

  1. What is the impact of scoliosis surgery on motor function in patients with Spinal Muscular Atrophy types 2 and 3?
  2. Does the decline in motor function after scoliosis surgery improve over time?
  3. Do patients with higher baseline motor function scores experience a greater decline in motor function after scoliosis surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about scoliosis surgery is to carefully consider the potential impact on motor function, especially for patients with conditions like Spinal Muscular Atrophy. It’s important to discuss the risks and benefits of surgery with your healthcare team and make an informed decision based on your individual circumstances. Additionally, post-operative rehabilitation and physical therapy may be crucial for optimizing recovery and maintaining or improving motor function.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who are recommended scoliosis surgery are those with moderate to severe spinal curvature that is causing pain, difficulty breathing, or impacting their quality of life. Additionally, patients who have not responded well to conservative treatments such as bracing or physical therapy may be candidates for surgery. It is important for patients to discuss their individual situation with their healthcare provider to determine if scoliosis surgery is the best course of action for them.

Timeline

Before scoliosis surgery:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with scoliosis and undergoes various tests and evaluations to determine the severity of the curvature.
  2. Patient may undergo non-surgical treatments such as bracing or physical therapy to manage the condition.
  3. As the curvature worsens and begins to impact the patient’s quality of life, surgery may be recommended as a last resort.

After scoliosis surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes pre-operative preparation including meeting with the surgical team, discussing the procedure, and understanding post-operative care.
  2. Surgery is performed to correct the spinal curvature, which may involve the insertion of rods, screws, or other hardware to stabilize the spine.
  3. Patient typically stays in the hospital for a few days to a week following surgery for monitoring and pain management.
  4. After discharge, patient undergoes a period of recovery and rehabilitation, which may include physical therapy to regain strength and mobility.
  5. Over time, patient’s spine gradually heals and they may experience improvements in posture, pain relief, and overall quality of life.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with scoliosis surgery?
  2. What is the success rate of scoliosis surgery in terms of correcting the spinal curvature?
  3. How long is the recovery process after scoliosis surgery and what can I expect during this time?
  4. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after the surgery to regain strength and mobility?
  5. How will scoliosis surgery impact my daily activities and quality of life?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before undergoing surgery?
  7. Will I need to undergo additional surgeries or treatments in the future to maintain the results of the scoliosis surgery?
  8. How will scoliosis surgery affect my overall health and well-being in the long term?
  9. What are the specific risks and considerations for patients with Spinal Muscular Atrophy undergoing scoliosis surgery?
  10. Can you provide me with any additional resources or information to help me make an informed decision about scoliosis surgery?

Reference

Authors: Dunaway Young S, Montes J, Salazar R, Glanzman AM, Pasternak A, Mirek E, Martens W, Finkel RS, Darras BT, De Vivo DC. Journal: J Neuromuscul Dis. 2020;7(2):183-192. doi: 10.3233/JND-190462. PMID: 32083590