Our Summary

This study looks at the surgical outcomes of 17 patients (9 boys and 8 girls) who underwent surgery for a rare condition known as congenital cervical scoliosis, which is an abnormal curve in the neck portion of the spine present at birth. These patients, with an average age of 7.1 years at the time of surgery, were observed for an average of 3.6 years after their procedures.

In total, there were 24 surgeries performed, with 4 complications reported. These included a pressure ulcer, a temporary stoppage of the heart, an injury to an artery in the neck, and a failure of the spine to fuse properly after surgery.

Before the surgery, the average angle of the curve in the patients’ spines was 36 degrees. After surgery, this improved to an average of 24 degrees, showing that the surgeries were effective in reducing the curvature.

The average time for each surgery was 8 hours, with an average blood loss of 298 ml. In some cases, a device that uses gravity to gently stretch the spine was used, while in others, the surgery was performed in two stages, with procedures on the front and back of the spine.

The study concludes that despite being a complex condition, congenital scoliosis of the neck can be successfully managed with well-planned and carefully executed surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is the success rate of surgical correction for congenital cervical scoliosis?
  2. What complications can arise from surgery for congenital cervical scoliosis?
  3. What methods were used in the surgical correction of congenital cervical scoliosis in the study?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about pediatric scoliosis surgery is to carefully follow post-operative instructions provided by the medical team. This may include restrictions on physical activity, proper wound care, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor healing and progress. It is important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to the medical team promptly. By following these guidelines, patients can optimize their recovery and achieve the best possible outcome after surgery.

Suitable For

Patients with congenital cervical scoliosis who have significant spinal deformity and are experiencing symptoms such as pain, difficulty breathing, or neurological deficits are typically recommended for pediatric scoliosis surgery. These patients may have a major curve angle of at least 30 degrees and may benefit from surgical correction to improve their spinal alignment and overall quality of life. Additionally, patients who have not responded to conservative treatments such as bracing or physical therapy may also be candidates for surgery.

Timeline

  • Patient is diagnosed with congenital cervical scoliosis
  • Patient undergoes preoperative evaluation and imaging studies
  • Surgical plan is developed, including consideration of halo-gravity traction and staged procedures
  • Patient undergoes surgical correction for congenital cervical scoliosis, with an average operative time of 8 hours and estimated blood loss of 298 mL
  • Postoperative follow-up shows improvement in major curve angle from 36 degrees to 24 degrees
  • Complications are reported in 4 out of 17 patients, including pressure ulcer, asystole, vertebral artery injury, and pseudarthrosis
  • Mean follow-up duration is 3.6 years
  • Overall, surgical correction is successful in managing congenital cervical scoliosis, with careful planning and execution of the procedure.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with pediatric scoliosis surgery?
  2. What is the success rate of surgical correction for congenital cervical scoliosis in pediatric patients?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after surgery?
  4. Will my child require any additional procedures or treatments in the future?
  5. How will the surgery impact my child’s growth and development?
  6. What type of post-operative care and follow-up appointments will be necessary?
  7. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or restrictions my child will need to follow after surgery?
  8. What are the long-term outcomes and potential complications we should be aware of?
  9. How experienced is the surgical team in performing pediatric scoliosis surgeries?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options available for my child’s condition?

Reference

Authors: Toll BJ, Samdani AF, Amanullah AA, Pahys JM, Janjua MB, Hwang SW; Pediatric Spine Study Group. Journal: J Pediatr Orthop. 2021 Mar 1;41(3):e211-e216. doi: 10.1097/BPO.0000000000001718. PMID: 33534366