Our Summary

This research paper discusses the various treatments for early onset scoliosis (EOS) in children, a condition that causes a sideways curvature of the spine. This condition is complicated to treat and requires different approaches based on the severity of the curve in the spine.

For milder cases (where the spine’s curve is 10 degrees or more), physical therapy is recommended. If the curve is more than 20 degrees, a brace treatment is added.

When the spine’s curvature increases by 10 degrees or reaches more than 35 degrees even after these non-surgical treatments, the paper suggests considering surgery. This is to prevent serious health problems like difficulty breathing and severe deformities in the child’s posture and chest.

However, some surgical methods can cause problems like stunted growth and alignment issues if the child is still growing. Therefore, the paper discusses the use of “growing rods” as an alternative. These rods can be extended as the child grows and can be controlled traditionally or magnetically. Another method mentioned is using a device called a “vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib”.

The paper emphasizes the importance of considering the risks and benefits of each surgical method, taking into account the child’s specific condition and the surgeon’s experience. The goal is to ensure the best possible treatment for the child.

FAQs

  1. What treatments are recommended for early onset scoliosis (EOS) in children?
  2. When is surgery considered for early onset scoliosis (EOS) in children and what are the potential risks?
  3. What are ‘growing rods’ and ‘vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib’ used for in scoliosis surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about scoliosis surgery is to make sure to follow all pre-operative instructions provided by the medical team. This may include stopping certain medications, fasting before surgery, and preparing your home for post-surgery recovery. Following these instructions can help reduce the risk of complications and ensure a successful outcome. Additionally, it’s important to communicate openly with your healthcare team about any concerns or questions you may have before, during, and after the surgery.

Suitable For

In summary, patients who are typically recommended scoliosis surgery are those with severe spinal curvature (more than 35 degrees) that is causing significant health issues such as difficulty breathing and severe deformities. Additionally, patients who have not responded to non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy and bracing may also be candidates for surgery. It is important to carefully evaluate the risks and benefits of surgery and consider alternative surgical methods such as growing rods or vertical expandable prosthetic titanium ribs to minimize potential complications.

Timeline

  1. Diagnosis: A patient is diagnosed with scoliosis, a sideways curvature of the spine.
  2. Non-surgical treatments: The patient undergoes physical therapy and/or wears a brace to try to correct the curvature of the spine.
  3. Monitoring: The patient’s spine curvature is monitored regularly to track any changes in the condition.
  4. Surgical evaluation: If the spine curvature continues to progress despite non-surgical treatments, the patient is evaluated for surgery.
  5. Surgical preparation: The patient undergoes pre-operative tests and consultations to prepare for surgery.
  6. Surgery: The patient undergoes scoliosis surgery, which may involve different surgical methods depending on the severity of the curvature and the patient’s age.
  7. Recovery: The patient spends time in the hospital recovering from surgery and starting physical therapy to regain strength and mobility.
  8. Follow-up care: The patient receives regular follow-up appointments to monitor their recovery and ensure the success of the surgery.

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. How long is the recovery period after scoliosis surgery?
  3. Will scoliosis surgery completely correct the curvature of my spine?
  4. What is the success rate of scoliosis surgery in patients with a similar condition to mine?
  5. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after scoliosis surgery?
  6. How will scoliosis surgery affect my daily activities and lifestyle?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments to scoliosis surgery that I should consider?
  8. How many scoliosis surgeries have you performed, and what is your experience with this procedure?
  9. Will scoliosis surgery impact my growth and development if I am still growing?
  10. What are the long-term outcomes and prognosis for patients who undergo scoliosis surgery?

Reference

Authors: Braun S, Müller-Broich J, Diaremes P, Fleege CS, Meurer A. Journal: Orthopade. 2021 Jun;50(6):497-508. doi: 10.1007/s00132-021-04107-7. Epub 2021 May 5. PMID: 33950306