Our Summary

This study looked at data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2012 to 2016. The researchers wanted to see if doctors who had special training in pediatric surgery had different results when performing spinal fusion surgery on teenagers with idiopathic scoliosis (a condition where the spine curves for no known reason) compared to doctors without this training. They divided the patients into three groups based on their surgeon’s training: those with pediatric training, those without, and a group matched for age, sex, and fusion levels from those with pediatric training. They found no significant differences in wound infections, hospital stay length, readmissions, and unplanned returns to surgery between the groups. However, they did find that surgeons with pediatric training had significantly less blood loss and blood transfusions. This suggests that the type of training a surgeon has could impact the outcomes of the surgery, and the researchers suggest further study into surgical education to improve consistency in training.

FAQs

  1. What was the main goal of the study conducted by the researchers?
  2. Were there any significant differences found between the groups of patients based on their surgeon’s training?
  3. What was the finding related to the blood loss and blood transfusions in the surgery performed by surgeons with pediatric training?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about pediatric scoliosis surgery is to choose a surgeon who has specialized training in pediatric surgery, as they may have better outcomes in terms of blood loss and transfusions. It is important to discuss the surgeon’s qualifications and experience before undergoing any surgery.

Suitable For

Patients typically recommended for pediatric scoliosis surgery are those with severe curvature of the spine that is causing pain, difficulty breathing, or other complications. Surgery may be recommended for patients who have not responded to other treatments such as bracing or physical therapy, or for those who have a rapidly progressing curve that is at risk of causing further health issues. The decision to recommend surgery is typically made by a team of healthcare professionals, including orthopedic surgeons, pediatricians, and physical therapists, who will consider the individual patient’s age, overall health, and the severity of their scoliosis.

Timeline

Before pediatric scoliosis surgery:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with scoliosis and undergoes various imaging tests to assess the severity of the curvature.
  2. Patient and their family meet with a pediatric orthopedic surgeon to discuss treatment options, including the possibility of surgery.
  3. Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and evaluation to ensure they are healthy enough for surgery.
  4. Patient and their family receive education about the surgery, including potential risks and benefits.

After pediatric scoliosis surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the surgical procedure, which typically involves spinal fusion to correct the curvature of the spine.
  2. Patient is monitored closely in the recovery room and then transferred to a hospital room for further observation.
  3. Patient may experience pain and discomfort in the days following surgery, which is managed with pain medication.
  4. Patient begins physical therapy to help with mobility and strengthen the muscles around the spine.
  5. Patient is discharged from the hospital once they are able to move around independently and have their pain under control.
  6. Patient continues with regular follow-up appointments with their orthopedic surgeon to monitor their progress and ensure proper healing.
  7. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and may need to wear a brace for a period of time to support their spine during the healing process.

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 pediatric scoliosis surgery in terms of correcting the curvature of the spine?
  3. How long is the recovery process after pediatric scoliosis surgery?
  4. Will my child need to wear a brace or undergo physical therapy after the surgery?
  5. What is the long-term outlook for my child’s spine health following surgery?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options to surgery for pediatric scoliosis?
  7. How many pediatric scoliosis surgeries have you performed, and what is your success rate?
  8. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery, and are there any risks associated with it?
  9. How soon after surgery can my child return to normal activities, such as school and sports?
  10. Are there any specific restrictions or precautions my child should follow post-surgery to ensure optimal healing?

Reference

Authors: Yohe N, Ciminero M, Solomito M, Lee MC. Journal: Orthopedics. 2020 Sep 1;43(5):e454-e459. doi: 10.3928/01477447-20200721-11. Epub 2020 Aug 6. PMID: 32745224