Our Summary

This research paper discusses a new way of measuring the unevenness in the torso area, or ’trunk’, of young patients with idiopathic scoliosis - a condition where the spine curves to the side. The researchers believe that their method offers additional information to existing measures, especially when tracking the results of scoliosis surgery.

The study involved 49 patients who were getting ready to have surgery. The researchers took detailed 3D scans of their backs before and at least six months after surgery. They used these scans to measure the curve in their spines and any unevenness in the trunk. They used standard measures to assess overall trunk unevenness, and their new method to measure unevenness between the left and right side of the trunk. They also introduced two new parameters, called the Deformation Rate and Maximum Asymmetry, to measure the extent of unevenness in different areas of the trunk.

After comparing these measures before and after surgery, the researchers found that more than 75% of patients showed improvement in overall trunk evenness. Specifically, they found significant improvement in the shoulder blades and waist areas in 95% and 80% of patients respectively.

In conclusion, the researchers report that their method can effectively assess local trunk asymmetries and the degree to which they are improved or worsened after scoliosis surgery. This could potentially be a useful tool for evaluating the outcomes of such surgeries.

FAQs

  1. What is the new method of measuring unevenness in the torso area for patients with idiopathic scoliosis?
  2. What were the two new parameters introduced to measure the extent of unevenness in the trunk?
  3. How effective was the new method in assessing the improvement of local trunk asymmetries after scoliosis surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about scoliosis surgery is to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including any physical therapy or exercises prescribed to help improve trunk evenness and overall recovery. Additionally, regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider are important to monitor progress and address any concerns.

Suitable For

Overall, patients with idiopathic scoliosis who are recommended for surgery are typically those who have a severe spinal curve that is causing significant pain, discomfort, or functional limitations. These patients may have tried non-surgical treatments such as bracing or physical therapy without success, or may have a curve that is progressing rapidly despite these treatments. Additionally, patients with scoliosis that is affecting their lung function or causing other medical complications may also be recommended for surgery.

It is important for patients considering scoliosis surgery to undergo a thorough evaluation by a spine specialist to determine if they are a good candidate for the procedure. This may involve imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans to assess the severity of the spinal curve and to evaluate any associated spinal cord or nerve compression. The decision to proceed with surgery should be made in consultation with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers, including orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, and pain management specialists, to ensure that the patient receives comprehensive care before, during, and after the procedure.

Timeline

Timeline before scoliosis surgery:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with scoliosis through physical examination and imaging tests.
  2. Patient undergoes non-surgical treatments such as bracing or physical therapy to manage the condition.
  3. As the curvature of the spine worsens and causes pain or other symptoms, the patient and their healthcare team decide that surgery is necessary.
  4. Pre-operative assessments, including medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests, are conducted to determine the best approach for surgery.

Timeline after scoliosis surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes scoliosis surgery, which typically involves spinal fusion and placement of rods and screws to correct the curvature of the spine.
  2. Patient spends a few days in the hospital recovering from surgery and begins physical therapy to regain strength and range of motion.
  3. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and follows a rehabilitation plan to promote healing and prevent complications.
  4. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon are scheduled to monitor the progress of the spine fusion and assess any changes in the patient’s condition.
  5. Over time, the patient may experience improvements in posture, pain relief, and overall quality of life as the spine alignment improves.

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 improving spinal curvature and trunk unevenness?
  3. What is the recovery process like after scoliosis surgery and how long does it typically take to fully recover?
  4. Will I need to undergo physical therapy or rehabilitation after surgery?
  5. Are there any long-term effects or limitations I should be aware of after scoliosis surgery?
  6. How will scoliosis surgery affect my daily activities and quality of life?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments or less invasive surgical options available for scoliosis?
  8. How often will I need follow-up appointments after surgery to monitor my progress?
  9. What are the specific measurements or parameters that will be used to track the results of the surgery, and how will they be assessed?
  10. Can you explain in detail the new method of measuring trunk unevenness that was used in this study, and how it could potentially benefit me as a patient undergoing scoliosis surgery?

Reference

Authors: Khani M, Debanné P, Guibault F, Labelle H, Parent S, Cheriet F. Journal: Eur Spine J. 2024 Apr;33(4):1691-1699. doi: 10.1007/s00586-023-08122-4. Epub 2024 Jan 25. PMID: 38267735