Our Summary

This study looked at the risk of developing a certain type of scoliosis (curvature of the spine) called thoracogenic scoliosis in children who had undergone a particular chest surgery. They reviewed the cases of 307 patients, 32 of whom met their specific criteria for the study. These criteria included having the surgery and developing this type of scoliosis, being under 15 at the time of surgery, and having follow-up records for at least 5 years.

The children were split into two groups based on which side of their spine curved - the same side as the surgery (ipsilateral) or the opposite side (contralateral). They found that the group with curvature on the opposite side of their surgery were younger at the time of surgery, developed a more severe spine deformity, and were more likely to have a severe curve (>20° and >45°).

The average time from surgery to the diagnosis of this type of scoliosis was about 4 years for the same-side group and 5.5 years for the opposite-side group. They also found that surgery on the left side and age over 5 years were associated with a lower risk of developing this scoliosis. The group the child was in (same side vs. opposite side) had a significant effect on the risk of developing a severe curve (>45°).

In simpler terms, children who developed a curve in their spine on the opposite side to where their chest surgery was, tended to have a more severe and progressive spine deformity.

FAQs

  1. What is thoracogenic scoliosis and who is at risk of developing it?
  2. How does the location of chest surgery impact the risk and severity of scoliosis in children?
  3. What was the average time from surgery to the diagnosis of scoliosis in the study?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about scoliosis surgery is to be aware of the potential risk of developing thoracogenic scoliosis, especially if the surgery was performed at a young age. It’s important to follow up with regular check-ups and monitoring to catch any potential spine deformities early on. Additionally, factors such as the side of the surgery and age at the time of surgery can play a role in the risk of developing severe curvature, so it’s important to discuss these factors with your healthcare provider.

Suitable For

As a result, patients who are typically recommended for scoliosis surgery are those who have a severe and progressive curve in their spine, especially if the curve is greater than 20° or 45°. Additionally, younger patients who undergo chest surgery may be at a higher risk of developing thoracogenic scoliosis, especially if the curve develops on the opposite side of the surgery. Therefore, careful monitoring and consideration of surgery may be recommended for these patients to prevent further progression of the spine deformity.

Timeline

Before scoliosis surgery:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with scoliosis through physical examination and imaging tests.
  2. Patient undergoes non-surgical treatments such as bracing, physical therapy, and monitoring of the curve progression.
  3. If the curve continues to progress and causes symptoms or affects daily life, the patient may be recommended for scoliosis surgery.

After scoliosis surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and tests to ensure they are medically fit for surgery.
  2. Surgery is performed to correct the curvature of the spine using techniques such as spinal fusion with instrumentation.
  3. Patient is closely monitored in the hospital for a few days post-surgery for pain management and to ensure there are no complications.
  4. Patient undergoes physical therapy and rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility.
  5. Patient is followed up regularly by the surgeon to monitor the healing process and assess the success of the surgery.
  6. Long-term follow-up is required to monitor for any potential complications or recurrence of the scoliosis.

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. What is the success rate of scoliosis surgery in terms of correcting the curvature of the spine?
  3. How long is the recovery period after scoliosis surgery and what can I expect during this time?
  4. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after surgery?
  5. Are there any restrictions or limitations on physical activity after scoliosis surgery?
  6. What is the long-term outlook for someone who has undergone scoliosis surgery?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies for scoliosis that I should consider before opting for surgery?
  8. How often will follow-up appointments be necessary after scoliosis surgery?
  9. What is the experience and success rate of the surgeon who will be performing the scoliosis surgery?
  10. Can you provide me with any resources or support groups for individuals who have undergone scoliosis surgery?

Reference

Authors: Sacco R, Ould-Slimane M, Bonnevalle M, Nectoux E, Zago A, Dujardin F, Canavese F. Journal: Eur Spine J. 2023 Feb;32(2):639-650. doi: 10.1007/s00586-022-07498-z. Epub 2023 Jan 3. PMID: 36596912