Our Summary

This study looked at factors that might contribute to severe scoliosis (a condition where the spine twists and curves to the side) in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD - a problem with the heart’s structure and function that is present at birth) who have had open chest surgery.

The study analyzed 74 patients with CHD who developed severe scoliosis after surgery, and 30 patients with CHD who didn’t develop scoliosis after surgery. The researchers made sure to exclude patients with any syndromes or intellectual disabilities that might also cause scoliosis.

The results showed that patients who developed scoliosis were more likely to be girls, and to have had their first heart surgery at a younger age. They were also more likely to have had multiple open chest surgeries. The study found that severe scoliosis was more common in patients who had multiple surgeries for severe CHD and an enlarged heart.

The researchers concluded that severe scoliosis is more likely to develop in patients who have their first CHD surgery at a younger age, and in those who have multiple surgeries for severe CHD. Therefore, doctors should regularly check for spinal deformities in patients with CHD, especially if they have severe CHD and are having multiple chest surgeries.

FAQs

  1. What factors were found to contribute to severe scoliosis in patients with congenital heart disease who have had open chest surgery?
  2. Did the study find any link between the patient’s gender and the development of scoliosis after open chest surgery?
  3. How can the risk of developing severe scoliosis after open chest surgery for CHD be mitigated?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about scoliosis surgery is to follow the post-operative care instructions closely. This may include restrictions on certain activities, physical therapy exercises to strengthen the back muscles, and regular follow-up appointments to monitor the spine’s alignment. It is important to adhere to these guidelines to ensure a successful recovery and minimize the risk of complications.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who are recommended for scoliosis surgery are those with severe scoliosis that is causing significant pain, difficulty breathing, or impacting their quality of life. Patients who have not responded to non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, bracing, or monitoring are also candidates for surgery. Additionally, patients with progressive scoliosis that is worsening over time may also be recommended for surgery. It is important for patients to discuss their individual case with a spine specialist to determine if surgery is the best option for them.

Timeline

Before scoliosis surgery:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with congenital heart disease (CHD) at birth.
  2. Patient undergoes open chest surgery to treat CHD.
  3. Patient develops severe scoliosis after surgery.
  4. Patient undergoes regular check-ups to monitor spinal deformities.

After scoliosis surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes scoliosis surgery to correct the spinal deformity.
  2. Patient undergoes post-operative care and physical therapy to aid in recovery.
  3. Patient continues to have regular check-ups to monitor spinal health.
  4. Patient experiences improved posture and reduced pain after surgery.
  5. Patient may need to wear a brace or undergo additional treatments to maintain spinal alignment.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the risks and potential complications associated with scoliosis surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery process after scoliosis surgery?
  3. Will I need to wear a brace or perform any specific exercises post-surgery?
  4. What type of scoliosis surgery is recommended for my specific case?
  5. How will scoliosis surgery affect my daily activities and quality of life?
  6. Are there any long-term effects or considerations I should be aware of after scoliosis surgery?
  7. What is the success rate of scoliosis surgery in patients with congenital heart disease?
  8. Are there any specific factors in my medical history that could impact the outcome of scoliosis surgery?
  9. Will I need any additional follow-up appointments or treatments after scoliosis surgery?
  10. What are the alternatives to scoliosis surgery that I should consider or explore?

Reference

Authors: Kawamura I, Yamaguchi T, Yanagida H, Tominaga H, Yamamoto T, Ueno K, Taniguchi N. Journal: Spine Deform. 2025 Mar;13(2):441-448. doi: 10.1007/s43390-024-01009-4. Epub 2024 Nov 12. PMID: 39531160