Our Summary

This research paper looks at the differences in training and performance of scoliosis surgery among pediatric orthopedic surgeons from the European Pediatric Orthopedic Society (EPOS) and Sociedad Latinoamericana de Ortopedia (SLAOTI). The researchers sent out an anonymous survey in 2021 to gather this information.

The results showed that 43% of EPOS surgeons and 22% of SLAOTI surgeons perform scoliosis procedures, with 18% of EPOS surgeons and 2% of SLAOTI surgeons performing more than 35 procedures a year. The study also found that 70% of EPOS surgeons and 27% of SLAOTI surgeons received formal training in spinal deformity surgery.

In simple terms, the study found that there are significant differences in how pediatric orthopedic surgeons in Europe and Latin America are trained and how often they perform scoliosis surgery.

FAQs

  1. What was the purpose of the research paper on pediatric scoliosis surgery?
  2. Based on the research, what are the differences in training and performance of scoliosis surgery among pediatric orthopedic surgeons from EPOS and SLAOTI?
  3. What percentage of EPOS and SLAOTI surgeons have received formal training in spinal deformity surgery according to the study?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient undergoing pediatric scoliosis surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions carefully, including any restrictions on eating or drinking before the surgery. It’s also important for the patient to ask any questions they may have about the procedure and recovery process, and to follow post-operative care instructions closely to ensure the best possible outcome. Additionally, staying active and maintaining good posture can help prevent further complications after surgery.

Suitable For

Pediatric scoliosis surgery is typically recommended for patients who have a severe curvature of the spine that is causing pain, difficulty breathing, or affecting their quality of life. Patients who have not responded to non-surgical treatments such as bracing or physical therapy may also be candidates for surgery. Additionally, patients who have a rapidly progressing curvature or who have other underlying conditions that are causing the scoliosis may also be recommended for surgery. Ultimately, the decision to undergo surgery is made on a case-by-case basis by a team of healthcare professionals, including orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, and other specialists.

Timeline

Before pediatric scoliosis surgery:

  • Patient is diagnosed with scoliosis through physical examination, medical history, and imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs
  • Patient undergoes conservative treatments such as physical therapy, bracing, or monitoring of the curvature
  • If conservative treatments are not effective and the curve progresses, surgery may be recommended

After pediatric scoliosis surgery:

  • Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations such as blood tests, imaging tests, and anesthesia consultation
  • Patient undergoes the surgical procedure to correct the spinal curvature, which may involve spinal fusion, instrumentation, or other techniques
  • Patient stays in the hospital for a few days to recover and receive post-operative care
  • Patient undergoes physical therapy and rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility
  • Patient follows up with their surgeon for regular post-operative appointments to monitor the healing process and ensure the success of the surgery

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about pediatric scoliosis surgery based on this research include:

  1. How many pediatric scoliosis surgeries have you performed in the past year?
  2. Have you received formal training in spinal deformity surgery?
  3. What is your experience with pediatric scoliosis surgery compared to other orthopedic procedures?
  4. What is your success rate with pediatric scoliosis surgeries?
  5. Are there any specific risks or complications associated with pediatric scoliosis surgery that I should be aware of?
  6. What is your approach to post-operative care and rehabilitation for pediatric scoliosis patients?
  7. Are there any alternative treatment options to surgery that we should consider?
  8. Will there be a multidisciplinary team involved in my child’s care before, during, and after the surgery?
  9. What is the expected recovery time for my child after pediatric scoliosis surgery?
  10. Are there any long-term effects or considerations we should be aware of after pediatric scoliosis surgery?

It is important for patients and their families to have open and honest discussions with their doctors about pediatric scoliosis surgery to ensure they are well-informed and comfortable with the treatment plan.

Reference

Authors: Kang JS, Herrero C, Castañeda P. Journal: Acta Ortop Mex. 2022 Nov-Dec;36(6):367-372. PMID: 37669656