Our Summary

This research paper examines the state of pediatric scoliosis surgery in Latvia. The study looks at patient data from 2012 to 2016, focusing on details like the patients’ age, nature of their scoliosis, and specifics of their treatment. The study discovered that 69 children had scoliosis surgery, with 74% being girls and 26% boys. Of these cases, 62% were diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis (where the cause is unknown), and 38% had non-idiopathic scoliosis (where the cause is known). Non-idiopathic cases needed longer surgery time, had longer hospital stays, and had a greater degree of spine curvature. However, idiopathic cases had a higher percentage of spine correction. The study also found that the operation time and hospital stay have decreased over the years. Post-surgery complications occurred in about 16% of the cases and were associated with longer hospital stays. The study concludes that the length of the operation and the occurrence of complications after surgery are significant factors affecting the length of the hospital stay. This research provides a basis for international comparison and improvements in pediatric scoliosis surgery.

FAQs

  1. What was the percentage of boys and girls who underwent pediatric scoliosis surgery in Latvia between 2012 and 2016?
  2. What is the difference between idiopathic and non-idiopathic scoliosis cases, and what were the findings regarding these in the study?
  3. How do the length of the operation and the occurrence of complications after surgery affect the length of the hospital stay in pediatric scoliosis surgeries?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about pediatric scoliosis surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to minimize the risk of complications and ensure a successful recovery. This may include maintaining proper posture, avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activities, attending follow-up appointments, and participating in physical therapy as recommended. It is also important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended pediatric scoliosis surgery are those who have a significant curvature of the spine that is causing pain, difficulty breathing, or other health problems. In the study mentioned above, patients with non-idiopathic scoliosis (where the cause is known) tended to have more severe curvature and therefore were more likely to be recommended for surgery. Patients with idiopathic scoliosis may also be recommended for surgery if their curvature is progressing rapidly or causing significant symptoms. Overall, the decision to recommend surgery is based on the individual patient’s age, health status, degree of curvature, and symptoms.

Timeline

Before pediatric scoliosis surgery:

  • Patient is diagnosed with scoliosis, a condition characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine
  • Patient undergoes various non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, bracing, and monitoring of the curvature
  • If the curvature worsens or causes pain or other issues, surgery may be recommended

After pediatric scoliosis surgery:

  • Patient undergoes pre-operative preparation including medical evaluations and discussions with the surgical team
  • Surgery is performed to correct the curvature of the spine, typically through spinal fusion or instrumentation
  • Patient is monitored closely in the immediate post-operative period for complications such as infection, blood loss, or nerve damage
  • Patient begins physical therapy and rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility
  • Patient is followed up regularly to monitor the progression of the curvature and ensure proper healing of the spine

Overall, pediatric scoliosis surgery can lead to significant improvements in the patient’s quality of life and overall spinal health. However, it is important for patients to be aware of the potential risks and complications associated with surgery and to follow a comprehensive post-operative care plan to optimize outcomes.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with pediatric scoliosis surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery process expected to take, and what can be done to support the child during this time?
  3. What type of scoliosis does my child have, and how will this impact the surgical approach and outcome?
  4. Are there any alternative treatments or less invasive options that could be considered before opting for surgery?
  5. How experienced is the surgical team in performing pediatric scoliosis surgery, and what is their success rate?
  6. Will additional surgeries or treatments be needed in the future to maintain the results of the surgery?
  7. What are the long-term effects and potential complications of the surgery on my child’s growth and development?
  8. How will the surgery affect my child’s daily activities, sports participation, and overall quality of life?
  9. Are there any specific post-operative care instructions or restrictions that need to be followed to ensure a successful recovery?
  10. What are the expected outcomes and potential benefits of the surgery for my child’s scoliosis condition?

Reference

Authors: Rüwald JM, Upenieks J, Ositis J, Pycha A, Avidan Y, Rüwald AL, Eymael RL, Schildberg FA. Journal: Medicina (Kaunas). 2020 Apr 24;56(4):201. doi: 10.3390/medicina56040201. PMID: 32344764