Our Summary

This research paper looks at the effects of a specific technique, called intraoperative traction, during surgery for a condition called neuromuscular scoliosis. The study involved 40 patients who were non-ambulatory, meaning they had difficulty moving. Half of these patients had the intraoperative traction applied during their surgery, while the other half did not.

The results showed that both groups had about the same degree of curve correction, which is the primary goal of scoliosis surgery. However, the group that had the intraoperative traction applied had a greater amount of correction compared to the group that did not. Also, more patients in the traction group were able to achieve a measure called pelvic obliquity below 10 degrees. Pelvic obliquity is a condition where the pelvis is tilted, which can happen in people with scoliosis.

Importantly, the researchers did not observe any complications related to the use of traction. This suggests that applying intraoperative traction during scoliosis surgery might be a safe and effective way to achieve better results. However, the researchers did not find any significant effects on other measures, such as spinal rotation.

FAQs

  1. What is intraoperative traction and how is it used in scoliosis surgery?
  2. Did the use of intraoperative traction in scoliosis surgery lead to more complications?
  3. What was the effect of intraoperative traction on the degree of curve correction and pelvic obliquity in patients with neuromuscular scoliosis?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about scoliosis surgery is to discuss with their surgeon the possibility of using intraoperative traction during the procedure. This technique may help improve the degree of curve correction and reduce the likelihood of pelvic obliquity. It is important to weigh the potential benefits of intraoperative traction against any potential risks, and have an open discussion with the surgeon about the best approach for the individual patient’s specific case.

Suitable For

Overall, patients with neuromuscular scoliosis who are non-ambulatory and have severe curvature of the spine are typically recommended for scoliosis surgery. Intraoperative traction may be considered as a technique to improve the degree of curve correction and achieve better outcomes, particularly in terms of pelvic obliquity. However, further research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of using intraoperative traction in scoliosis surgery.

Timeline

Before scoliosis surgery:

  • Patient is diagnosed with scoliosis through physical examination and imaging tests
  • Patient undergoes various non-surgical treatments such as bracing, physical therapy, and monitoring of the curvature
  • If the curvature progresses or causes severe symptoms, surgery may be recommended

After scoliosis surgery:

  • Patient undergoes pre-operative preparation, including medical evaluation and discussions with the surgical team
  • Surgery is performed, which may involve spinal fusion, correction of the curvature, and placement of hardware such as rods and screws
  • Patient is closely monitored in the hospital for a few days after surgery
  • Patient undergoes post-operative rehabilitation, which may include physical therapy and pain management
  • Patient follows up with the surgical team for long-term monitoring of the spine and hardware

Overall, the timeline of scoliosis surgery involves a combination of pre-operative preparation, surgical intervention, post-operative care, and long-term monitoring to ensure the best outcome for the patient.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about scoliosis surgery, specifically regarding the use of intraoperative traction, include:

  1. What is intraoperative traction and how does it work during scoliosis surgery?
  2. What are the potential benefits of using intraoperative traction during scoliosis surgery?
  3. Are there any potential risks or complications associated with the use of intraoperative traction?
  4. How will the decision to use intraoperative traction be made for my specific case?
  5. How does intraoperative traction compare to other surgical techniques for scoliosis correction?
  6. Will the use of intraoperative traction affect my recovery time or post-operative care?
  7. Are there any specific factors or conditions that would make me a better candidate for intraoperative traction during scoliosis surgery?
  8. What kind of results can I expect in terms of curve correction and other measures if intraoperative traction is used during my surgery?
  9. How will the use of intraoperative traction impact my long-term outcomes and quality of life following scoliosis surgery?
  10. Are there any ongoing research studies or clinical trials related to the use of intraoperative traction for scoliosis surgery that I should be aware of?

Reference

Authors: Tøndevold N, Bari TJ, Andersen TB, Gehrchen M. Journal: Spine Deform. 2021 May;9(3):769-776. doi: 10.1007/s43390-020-00268-1. Epub 2021 Jan 19. PMID: 33464552