Our Summary

This research paper talks about Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS), a condition that causes a three-dimensional curvature in the spine. It affects about 2-3% of the population, with about 10% of those affected needing some form of treatment, and a small proportion (0.1%) requiring surgery. The abnormal curvature of the spine can cause emotional distress due to cosmetic reasons and, in severe cases, can also lead to heart and lung issues.

The paper discusses the importance of surgery in treating AIS, aiming to improve the patient’s appearance and functionality of the spine. Previously, treatment focused mainly on correcting the spine’s side-to-side curvature. However, with a better understanding of spinal mechanics, it is now known that it’s equally crucial to correct the front-to-back balance of the spine.

The advancements in surgical implants and understanding of their material properties have also aided in better correcting these spinal deformities. The researchers emphasize that it’s essential to understand each patient’s unique deformity and to use the most suitable implant and surgical techniques for optimum results. The research paper aims to review the latest concepts in AIS surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) and how common is it?
  2. What is the goal of surgery in treating AIS?
  3. How have advancements in surgical implants and understanding of material properties improved the treatment of AIS?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about scoliosis surgery is to follow the post-operative care instructions carefully. This may include specific guidelines for physical therapy, restrictions on certain activities, and regular follow-up appointments with the surgeon. It is important to adhere to these instructions to ensure proper healing and long-term success of the surgery. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and proper nutrition can also help in the recovery process.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended scoliosis surgery are those with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) who have a severe spinal curvature that is causing significant symptoms or impacting their quality of life. This may include patients who have a curvature greater than 50 degrees, progressive curvature despite non-surgical treatments, significant pain or discomfort, or respiratory or cardiac issues due to the spinal deformity. Additionally, patients who have not responded to conservative treatments such as bracing or physical therapy may also be recommended for surgery. It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by a spine specialist to determine if surgery is the best treatment option for their specific case.

Timeline

Before scoliosis surgery:

  1. Diagnosis: The patient is diagnosed with scoliosis through physical examination, X-rays, and possibly other imaging tests.
  2. Monitoring: Depending on the severity of the curvature, the patient may be monitored regularly to track the progression of the condition.
  3. Bracing: In some cases, the patient may be prescribed a brace to help prevent further curvature of the spine.
  4. Pre-surgical preparation: Before surgery, the patient undergoes pre-operative testing and evaluations to ensure they are healthy enough for the procedure.

After scoliosis surgery:

  1. Hospital stay: The patient undergoes the surgical procedure to correct the curvature of the spine and typically stays in the hospital for a few days for monitoring.
  2. Recovery: The patient will experience pain and discomfort post-surgery and will gradually regain mobility through physical therapy and rehabilitation.
  3. Follow-up care: The patient will have regular follow-up appointments with their surgeon to monitor their progress and ensure proper healing.
  4. Long-term management: The patient may need to continue with physical therapy, wear a brace, or make lifestyle adjustments to maintain the correction of their spine over time.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with scoliosis surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery process after scoliosis surgery?
  3. What type of surgical technique would be most suitable for my specific case of scoliosis?
  4. What are the expected outcomes of scoliosis surgery in terms of pain relief and improvement in spinal curvature?
  5. How long will I need to stay in the hospital after scoliosis surgery?
  6. What type of physical therapy or rehabilitation will be required after surgery?
  7. Will I need to wear a brace or use any assistive devices post-surgery?
  8. What are the long-term effects of scoliosis surgery on my spine and overall health?
  9. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that I should consider before opting for surgery?
  10. How experienced is the surgical team in performing scoliosis surgeries, and what is their success rate?

Reference

Authors: Tambe AD, Panikkar SJ, Millner PA, Tsirikos AI. Journal: Bone Joint J. 2018 Apr 1;100-B(4):415-424. doi: 10.1302/0301-620X.100B4.BJJ-2017-0846.R2. PMID: 29629580