Our Summary

This research paper examines the effectiveness of using a robot to assist in the treatment of adult degenerative scoliosis, a condition where the spine curves abnormally, often due to aging. The study looked back at 97 patients treated between February 2018 and October 2019. Some of these patients were treated with robot assistance and some were treated using traditional methods without the help of a robot.

The research found that using a robot to assist in placing screws into the spine (a common treatment for this type of scoliosis) was more accurate than doing it without robotic assistance. Patients treated with robot assistance also lost less blood during surgery. However, the length of the surgery and the time spent in the hospital were not significantly different between the two groups.

Both groups of patients saw improvements in their condition after surgery, and they reported better quality of life six months after surgery. There were a few complications related to surgery - one patient treated with robot assistance developed pressure sores, and two patients treated without robot assistance experienced tears in the outer layer of the spinal cord. However, no patients in either group needed additional surgery to fix these issues.

The study concludes that using a robot to assist in the treatment of adult degenerative scoliosis is an effective and safe method. The higher accuracy and less blood loss make it a good alternative to traditional methods.

FAQs

  1. What is the advantage of using a robot to assist in the treatment of adult degenerative scoliosis?
  2. Were there any significant differences in post-surgery recovery time between the patients treated with robot assistance and those treated with traditional methods?
  3. Did the study find any complications related to the use of robotic assistance in scoliosis surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about scoliosis surgery is to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises, to ensure a successful recovery and long-term outcomes.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended scoliosis surgery are those who have severe curvature of the spine that is causing pain, difficulty breathing, or impacting their quality of life. In the case of adult degenerative scoliosis, patients may also have additional age-related factors that contribute to their condition, such as arthritis or osteoporosis.

Surgery is usually considered when other non-surgical treatments, such as physical therapy or bracing, have not been effective in managing the symptoms of scoliosis. The decision to undergo surgery is often made in consultation with a team of healthcare professionals, including orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, and physical therapists, who can assess the severity of the condition and determine the best course of treatment.

In the case of the study mentioned above, patients with adult degenerative scoliosis who were experiencing significant pain and loss of function were considered for surgery, particularly those who were candidates for spinal fusion with screw placement. The use of a robot to assist in the surgery was found to be beneficial in terms of accuracy and blood loss, making it a viable option for these patients.

Timeline

Before scoliosis surgery:

  • Patient is diagnosed with adult degenerative scoliosis
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and evaluations
  • Patient discusses treatment options with their healthcare provider
  • Patient decides to undergo surgery and schedules the procedure

After scoliosis surgery:

  • Patient undergoes surgery with or without the assistance of a robot
  • Patient spends time in the hospital for recovery
  • Patient may experience pain and discomfort post-surgery
  • Patient undergoes physical therapy and rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility
  • Patient follows up with their healthcare provider for monitoring and follow-up care
  • Patient experiences improvements in their condition and reports better quality of life
  • Patient may experience complications related to surgery, but most are manageable without additional surgery.

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. How long is the recovery process after scoliosis surgery?
  3. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after surgery?
  4. How long will I need to stay in the hospital after surgery?
  5. What are the expected outcomes of scoliosis surgery in terms of pain relief and improvement in spinal curvature?
  6. Will I need to wear a brace or use any assistive devices after surgery?
  7. What type of anesthesia will be used during surgery?
  8. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before opting for surgery?
  9. How experienced is the surgical team in performing scoliosis surgeries?
  10. What follow-up care will be required after surgery to monitor my progress and ensure optimal healing?

Reference

Authors: Chen X, Feng F, Yu X, Wang S, Tu Z, Han Y, Li Q, Chen H, Chen Z, Lao L, Shen H. Journal: J Orthop Surg Res. 2020 Jul 25;15(1):282. doi: 10.1186/s13018-020-01796-2. PMID: 32711566