Scoliosis Surgery in India- Boon for Patients
Scoliosis affects a large percentage of population throughout the world. An estimated 6 to 9 million people suffer from scoliosis in United States alone, out of which at least 35,000 are serious enough to warrant surgical intervention. However, the cost of scoliosis treatment is quite formidable in United States and all western countries and thus a large number of children and adults are forced to keep the surgery in abeyance.
India offers a great boon for such children and adults who are looking for affordable scoliosis surgery. Spinal surgery hospitals in India have got the most sophisticated and advanced technology to treat the most complex cases of scoliosis. Spinal surgeons in India are highly trained and many surgeons have treated lot of scoliosis patients with great results.
Doctors classify scoliosis as congenital, neuromuscular and Idiopathic:
- Congenital scoliosis- It results from embryological malformation of one or more vertebrae and may occur in any location of the spine. Because the abnormality is present from birth, it is detected at an early age.
- Neuromuscular scoliosis- this is secondary to neurological or muscular diseases and includes scoliosis associated with cerebral palsy, spinal cord trauma, muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy, and spina bifida. This type of scoliosis generally progresses more rapidly often requires surgical treatment.
- Idiopathic scoliosis- Scoliosis is considered idiopathic when the exact cause is not known. It comprises about 80% of all cases and is diagnosed during puberty.
Surgery in scoliosis is recommended when the spinal curve is greater than 40 degrees and there are signs of progression. Surgery in adults is generally advised when the spinal curve is greater than 50 degrees and the patient has nerve damage to their legs and/or is experiencing bowel or bladder symptoms.
The aim of scoliosis surgery is threefold:
- Safely straighten the spine as much as possible
- Balance the torso and pelvic areas
- Maintain the correction for long term
The aim is accomplished in two steps:
- Fusing (joining together) the vertebrae along the curve
- Supporting these fused bones with instrumentation (steel rods, hooks, and other devices) attached to the spine
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| Scoliotic Spine |
There are several approaches to scoliosis surgery, but all use modern instrumentation system of hooks and screws to the spine to anchor long rods. The rods are then used to reduce and hold the spine while the bone graft fuses to the existing bone.
After the bone has fused, spine can no longer move thereby not allowing the curve to progress any further. The rods though are used are temporary splints to hold the spine in place by the time fusion takes place, but are not removed unless necessary.
There are two most common approaches to Scoliosis Surgery:
1. Scoliosis surgery from the back (Posterior Approach) - most commonly performed surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Performed through back and entails straightening the spine with rigid rods and following t with spinal fusion. Spinal fusion involves adding a bone graft between the two vertebrae to make them grow into one long bone stopping the movement between the movement and thus growth of further curve. The metal rods ensure that backbone remain straight while the fusion takes place.
The surgery takes few hours in children but much longer in adults. With advancement in technology, the recovery time is short and no bracing is required after the surgery. Most people return to school or work within 3-4 weeks after the surgery.
2. Scoliosis surgery from the front (Anterior Approach) – The surgery is done through the side, allows better visualization and is lesser invasive than posterior approach. It allows better deformity correction, quick recovery, better spine mobilization and fusion of fewer segments. However, patients require bracing for several months and the approach has a higher risk of morbidity.
The results of a successful scoliosis surgery are definitely good. The success of the surgery depends on various factors as selection of the patient, skill of the surgeon and support staff at the hospital, rehabilitation after the surgery, smoking history, how well you follow post op instructions and rehabilitation and how well you maintain your weight.
One must weigh the risks and benefits of the surgery and make an informed decision.
If you are seeking affordable scoliosis surgery in India, you can write to us at info@indicure.com or or call / WhatsApp us at +91 9320036777. IndiCure is the most renowned name for providing spine surgery in India at affordable prices.
