Our Summary

The research paper discusses the evaluation and treatment processes for children with spinal deformities such as scoliosis or kyphosis. The article explains that treating these conditions can be difficult due to the many factors that must be considered, such as the cause of the deformity, whether there are any abnormalities in the vertebrae, the severity of the curve in the spine, the child’s age and growth stage, and the risk of the condition becoming worse. The paper aims to provide comprehensive information, including research findings, to help in the care and treatment of children with these spinal conditions.

FAQs

  1. What factors need to be considered in the evaluation and treatment of pediatric scoliosis or kyphosis?
  2. What information does the research paper provide for the care and treatment of children with spinal deformities?
  3. How does a child’s age and growth stage impact the treatment of scoliosis or kyphosis?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about pediatric scoliosis surgery is to ensure that the child follows all pre-operative instructions provided by the medical team. This may include guidelines on diet, medication, and physical activity leading up to the surgery. Following these instructions can help optimize the child’s health and improve the outcome of the surgery. Additionally, it is important for the child to attend all follow-up appointments and adhere to any post-operative care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery process.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended pediatric scoliosis surgery are those who have a severe curvature of the spine that is causing significant pain, difficulty breathing, or other health issues. Other factors that may lead to a recommendation for surgery include a curve that is progressing rapidly, a curve that is affecting the child’s appearance or self-esteem, or a curve that is causing neurological problems. Additionally, surgery may be recommended for patients who have not responded well to other treatments such as bracing or physical therapy. Ultimately, the decision to recommend surgery for pediatric scoliosis will be based on a thorough evaluation of the child’s individual condition and needs.

Timeline

Before pediatric scoliosis surgery:

  1. Diagnosis: A child is typically diagnosed with scoliosis during a routine physical exam or screening at school. The doctor may order X-rays or other imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the spinal curvature.

  2. Monitoring: Depending on the severity of the curve and the child’s age, the doctor may recommend monitoring the scoliosis with regular check-ups and X-rays to track the progression of the condition.

  3. Bracing: In some cases, the doctor may recommend wearing a brace to help prevent further curvature of the spine as the child grows.

  4. Physical therapy: Physical therapy may be recommended to help strengthen the muscles around the spine and improve posture.

  5. Surgical consultation: If the scoliosis continues to progress despite other treatments, the doctor may recommend surgery to correct the spinal curvature.

After pediatric scoliosis surgery:

  1. Hospitalization: The child will typically stay in the hospital for a few days after surgery to monitor for any complications and ensure proper healing.

  2. Rehabilitation: Physical therapy and rehabilitation may be necessary to help the child regain strength and mobility in the spine and surrounding muscles.

  3. Follow-up appointments: The child will have regular follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor the healing process and assess the long-term outcomes of the surgery.

  4. Return to normal activities: Depending on the type of surgery performed, the child may need to limit certain activities for a period of time before gradually returning to normal activities.

  5. Long-term monitoring: The child may need regular check-ups and imaging tests to monitor the spine and ensure that the curvature does not progress again.

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after pediatric scoliosis surgery can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the specific treatment plan. It is important for the child and their family to work closely with their medical team to ensure the best possible outcome.

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 after surgery, and what can we expect in terms of pain management and rehabilitation?
  3. Will my child need to wear a brace or undergo physical therapy after surgery?
  4. What are the long-term outcomes for children who undergo scoliosis surgery?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments or less invasive options that we should consider before deciding on surgery?
  6. How often will my child need follow-up appointments and monitoring after surgery?
  7. What is the success rate of scoliosis surgery in children, and what factors can impact the outcome?
  8. Are there any lifestyle changes or restrictions that my child will need to adhere to after surgery?
  9. How will scoliosis surgery affect my child’s growth and development?
  10. Are there any support resources or organizations that can provide additional information and assistance for families of children undergoing scoliosis surgery?

Reference

Authors: Sheehan DD, Grayhack J. Journal: Pediatr Ann. 2017 Dec 1;46(12):e472-e480. doi: 10.3928/19382359-20171113-01. PMID: 29227524