Our Summary

This research paper discusses how to treat adult degenerative scoliosis, a condition where the spine curves abnormally due to aging. Before deciding on a treatment, doctors scan the patient’s spine and check how flexible the abnormal curve is. The chosen treatment method depends on the doctor’s comfort and experience, the patient’s overall health condition, and whether the doctor intends to address a specific issue or correct the entire abnormal curve.

FAQs

  1. What is the initial step in treating adult degenerative scoliosis?
  2. How does the flexibility of a patient’s deformity influence the techniques used in scoliosis surgery?
  3. How do a surgeon’s experience and a patient’s medical risk factor into the strategy for scoliosis surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient considering scoliosis surgery to make sure they fully understand the risks and benefits of the procedure before making a decision. It’s also important to follow all pre-operative instructions and to communicate openly with your healthcare team about any concerns or questions you may have. Additionally, committing to a thorough post-operative rehabilitation program can greatly improve the success and long-term outcomes of the surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for scoliosis surgery are those who have a severe curvature of the spine that is causing pain, difficulty breathing, or affecting their quality of life. These patients may have tried conservative treatments such as physical therapy or bracing without success. Additionally, patients who have a progressive curvature that is worsening over time may also be recommended for surgery to prevent further complications. Other factors that may influence the decision for surgery include the patient’s age, overall health, and the severity of the deformity. Ultimately, the decision for surgery is made on a case-by-case basis after a thorough evaluation by a spine surgeon.

Timeline

Before scoliosis surgery:

  1. Diagnosis: A patient is diagnosed with scoliosis through physical examination, medical history review, and imaging tests such as X-rays and MRI scans.

  2. Consultation: The patient meets with a spine specialist to discuss treatment options, potential risks and benefits of surgery, and expected outcomes.

  3. Preoperative evaluation: The patient undergoes a thorough preoperative evaluation to assess their overall health and identify any potential risks that may affect the surgery.

  4. Preoperative preparation: The patient receives instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including fasting before the procedure and stopping certain medications.

  5. Education: The patient is educated about the surgical procedure, postoperative care, and rehabilitation process.

After scoliosis surgery:

  1. Immediate postoperative period: The patient is closely monitored in the recovery room for any complications such as bleeding, infection, or nerve damage. Pain management is also initiated.

  2. Hospital stay: The patient stays in the hospital for a few days to a week, depending on the extent of the surgery and their recovery progress.

  3. Rehabilitation: The patient undergoes physical therapy to regain strength and mobility in the spine and surrounding muscles.

  4. Follow-up appointments: The patient has regular follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor their healing progress and address any concerns or complications.

  5. Long-term recovery: The patient continues to work on their rehabilitation and gradually returns to normal activities and daily life, with ongoing monitoring of their spine alignment and function.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications of scoliosis surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery process after scoliosis surgery?
  3. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after surgery?
  4. What type of scoliosis surgery do you recommend for my specific condition?
  5. How long will the effects of scoliosis surgery last?
  6. What is the success rate of scoliosis surgery in patients with similar conditions to mine?
  7. Will I need any additional surgeries in the future to maintain the correction achieved through scoliosis surgery?
  8. How will scoliosis surgery affect my daily activities and quality of life?
  9. Are there any alternative treatments to scoliosis surgery that I should consider?
  10. What is your experience and success rate with scoliosis surgery?

Reference

Authors: Graham RB, Sugrue PA, Koski TR. Journal: Clin Spine Surg. 2016 Apr;29(3):95-107. doi: 10.1097/BSD.0000000000000367. PMID: 26945131