Our Summary

This study aimed to assess the quality and quantity of research papers on spinal surgery produced in Arab countries, and compare it with international standards. The researchers used online tools like Google Scholar and PubMed to find relevant papers, which were then sorted and graded according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine’s scale. They found 434 papers that fit their criteria, with over half of these being of a low-level study design, such as case reports. Egypt was the country with the most publications. There was a noticeable increase in the number of studies published between 2000-2008 and 2009-2015. However, the overall quality of these papers, as measured by the level of evidence, did not significantly improve over 15 years. The researchers concluded that spinal surgeons in Arab countries need to produce higher quality research.

FAQs

  1. How did the researchers in the study assess the quality of research papers on spinal surgery?
  2. What were the findings regarding the quantity and quality of research papers on spinal surgery from Arab countries?
  3. Did the study find any improvement in the quality of research papers on spinal surgery over the 15 years?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about scoliosis surgery is to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including proper wound care, physical therapy exercises, and avoiding certain activities that could strain the spine. It is important to follow up with regular appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor healing and assess progress. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and good nutrition can help support the healing process and overall spine health.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended scoliosis surgery are those who have a severe spinal curvature (usually greater than 40-50 degrees), progressive curvature that is worsening over time, significant pain or discomfort, difficulty breathing due to the curvature pressing on the lungs, and/or neurological symptoms such as weakness or numbness in the legs. Additionally, patients who have tried non-surgical treatments such as bracing or physical therapy without success may also be candidates for surgery. Ultimately, the decision to undergo scoliosis surgery is made on a case-by-case basis by a spine surgeon after a thorough evaluation of the patient’s condition and symptoms.

Timeline

Before scoliosis surgery:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with scoliosis through physical examination and imaging tests.
  2. Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations including medical history, physical exam, and possibly additional imaging tests.
  3. Patient discusses surgical options with their orthopedic surgeon and decides on a treatment plan.
  4. Patient may undergo pre-surgical physical therapy or other preparations as recommended by their healthcare team.

After scoliosis surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the surgical procedure to correct the curvature of the spine.
  2. Patient is monitored closely in the hospital for a few days post-surgery for pain management and complications.
  3. Patient may require physical therapy and rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility.
  4. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon are scheduled to monitor healing and progress.
  5. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and may need ongoing follow-up care to monitor the spine’s alignment and prevent future complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with scoliosis surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery period after scoliosis surgery?
  3. What are the expected outcomes and success rates of scoliosis surgery?
  4. Are there alternative treatment options to surgery for scoliosis?
  5. How experienced are you in performing scoliosis surgery?
  6. What type of scoliosis surgery do you recommend for my specific case?
  7. Will I need any additional treatments or therapies after the surgery?
  8. How can I prepare for scoliosis surgery, both physically and mentally?
  9. What is the long-term prognosis for someone who undergoes scoliosis surgery?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes or restrictions I will need to follow post-surgery?

Reference

Authors: Baeesa SS, Maghrabi Y, Msaddi AK, Assaker R. Journal: Biomed Res Int. 2017;2017:7560236. doi: 10.1155/2017/7560236. Epub 2017 Feb 21. PMID: 28316989