Our Summary

This study looked at the prevalence of lower back pain (LBP), caesarean section (C-section) rates, and the types of anesthesia used in patients with lumbar scoliosis undergoing a specific type of surgery. They compared this with a group of healthy women. The study found that new instances of lower back pain were reported in 65.6% of the scoliosis patients, which was significantly higher than in the control group. The rate of C-sections was not significantly different between the two groups. No serious complications during childbirth were reported in either group. All of the scoliosis patients who had C-sections were given general anesthesia. The control group had a significantly higher rate of successful neuraxial anesthesia, a type of regional anesthesia. The study concluded that patients with lumbar scoliosis do not have a higher risk of complications during childbirth or higher C-section rates after having a specific type of surgical correction. However, they do have a higher rate of lower back pain and are more likely to be given general anesthesia.

FAQs

  1. What was the prevalence of lower back pain in patients with lumbar scoliosis after surgery, compared to the control group?
  2. Is there a higher rate of C-sections in women with lumbar scoliosis who have undergone a specific type of surgery?
  3. What type of anesthesia is more likely to be used in scoliosis patients undergoing C-sections?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing scoliosis surgery to make sure to follow all post-operative care instructions, including physical therapy exercises and proper lifting techniques, to help prevent complications and promote a successful recovery. They may also advise the patient to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, to support overall spine health and prevent future issues.

Suitable For

Patients with severe scoliosis, typically defined as a curvature of the spine greater than 40-50 degrees, are often recommended for scoliosis surgery. This is especially true if the curvature is progressing rapidly, causing significant pain or discomfort, or affecting the patient’s quality of life. Additionally, patients who have not responded to conservative treatments such as bracing or physical therapy may also be recommended for surgery. It is important for patients to discuss their individual case with a spine surgeon to determine if surgery is the best course of treatment for their specific situation.

Timeline

Before scoliosis surgery:

  • Patient may experience back pain, difficulty breathing, and limited physical activity due to the curvature of the spine
  • Patient undergoes various diagnostic tests such as X-rays, MRI, and physical examination to determine the severity of the scoliosis
  • Patient may undergo physical therapy or wear a brace to help manage the symptoms of scoliosis
  • Patient discusses treatment options with their healthcare provider and decides to undergo surgery

After scoliosis surgery:

  • Patient undergoes pre-operative preparations such as blood tests, EKG, and anesthesia consultation
  • Patient is admitted to the hospital for the surgery
  • Surgery is performed to correct the curvature of the spine using various techniques such as spinal fusion or instrumentation
  • Patient is closely monitored in the intensive care unit post-surgery for pain management and to prevent complications
  • Patient undergoes physical therapy and rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility in the spine
  • Patient may experience temporary pain and discomfort post-surgery, which can be managed with medication and physical therapy
  • Patient is discharged from the hospital and continues to follow up with their healthcare provider for monitoring and follow-up care

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the risks and benefits of scoliosis surgery for my specific case?
  2. What is the success rate of the surgery in terms of correcting the curvature of the spine?
  3. What is the recovery process like after scoliosis surgery?
  4. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that I should consider before opting for surgery?
  5. How long will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery?
  6. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery, and what are the potential side effects?
  7. What are the potential complications or risks associated with scoliosis surgery?
  8. Will I need to undergo physical therapy or rehabilitation after the surgery?
  9. How will the surgery affect my ability to participate in physical activities or sports in the future?
  10. What is the long-term outlook for my spine health after undergoing scoliosis surgery?

Reference

Authors: Cao Y, Shu S, Jing W, Zhu Z, Qiu Y, Bao H. Journal: Med Sci Monit. 2020 Oct 17;26:e926960. doi: 10.12659/MSM.926960. PMID: 33067410