Our Summary

This study looked at the physical differences in the upper body and spine of patients with scoliosis before and after surgery. To do this, researchers used 2D X-ray images to map out the shape of the body and spine. They then compared these images before and after surgery using a method called Generalized Procrustes analysis. They also used another method called thin plate spline (TPS) to see how the shape of the spine changed between these two periods. Their findings showed that there were significant changes in the shape of the upper body and spine after surgery. The most significant change was seen in the upper left border of a part of the spine known as the L4 spinous process. This means that the surgery had a noticeable effect on the physical shape and structure associated with scoliosis.

FAQs

  1. What methods were used to investigate the preoperative and postoperative differences in the upper-body and spinal shapes of patients with scoliosis?
  2. What were the results of the research on pre- and postoperative upper-body and spinal shape differences in patients with scoliosis?
  3. Which part of the spine showed the highest deformation after scoliosis surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about pediatric scoliosis surgery is to follow the postoperative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and prevent complications. This may include restrictions on physical activity, wearing a brace as prescribed, attending physical therapy sessions, and attending follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor progress. It is important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to the medical team promptly.

Suitable For

Patients with pediatric scoliosis who have significant curvature of the spine and have not responded to conservative treatments such as bracing or physical therapy are typically recommended for surgery. Additionally, patients who are experiencing pain, difficulty breathing, or other complications related to their scoliosis may also be candidates for surgery. The decision to undergo surgery is typically made by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, and pediatricians, based on the individual patient’s specific circumstances and overall health.

Timeline

Before pediatric scoliosis surgery:

  • Patient is diagnosed with scoliosis through physical examination and imaging tests
  • Patient undergoes preoperative evaluations including medical history, physical examination, and possibly additional imaging tests
  • Patient and family meet with the orthopedic surgeon to discuss treatment options and prepare for surgery

After pediatric scoliosis surgery:

  • Patient undergoes surgical procedure to correct the curvature of the spine
  • Patient is monitored closely in the hospital for a few days postoperatively
  • Patient undergoes physical therapy and rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility
  • Patient continues to follow up with the orthopedic surgeon for postoperative care and monitoring of spinal alignment
  • Over time, patient may experience improvements in posture, pain relief, and overall quality of life as a result of the surgery

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with pediatric scoliosis surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery period after surgery, and what can be expected in terms of pain management and physical therapy?
  3. Will the surgery correct the curvature of the spine completely, or will further treatment be necessary?
  4. How will the surgery affect the child’s growth and development, particularly in terms of the spine and upper-body shape?
  5. Are there any long-term implications or restrictions following pediatric scoliosis surgery?
  6. What is the success rate of this type of surgery in pediatric patients, and what is the likelihood of needing additional surgeries in the future?
  7. How often will follow-up appointments be needed after surgery, and what will be monitored during these appointments?
  8. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before proceeding with surgery?
  9. How experienced is the surgical team in performing pediatric scoliosis surgery, and what is their success rate with similar cases?
  10. Can you provide any references or resources for further information on pediatric scoliosis surgery?

Reference

Authors: Ocakoglu G, Taskapilioglu MO, Kaya IS, Akesen B, Dogan S. Journal: Turk Neurosurg. 2023;33(2):252-257. doi: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.38065-22.2. PMID: 36622188