Scoliosis - Signs, Symptoms, Treatment

Scoliosis Details

Scoliosis is a condition which is characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine. Our spine though has some natural curves, which help us to maintain the posture of our body. In scoliosis the spine develops unnatural curves and starts restricting your body movements, and might also disfigure the shape of the body. It is more common in women than in men. There is no specific reason attributed for the development of the problem. There are several types of scoliosis and your doctor will help you determine the one that you have. In majority of the severe cases surgery is the most common method to correct the posture and maintain the body alignment. In some cases where the curvature is not huge, therapies like exercises, massage and yoga along with braces are prescribed.

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Before Scoliosis

Before surgery your doctor will take x-ray graphs of your spine. This will help them to identify the extent of damage and the best possible way to plan the surgery. This can also limit the length of implant required for the correction of the curvature of the spine. It is always good to follow the instructions of your doctor and to take any prescribed medication before the surgery. It is advisable to reach for the procedure with an empty stomach.

How it is performed

Scoliosis surgery is a major surgery and the length of incision depends upon the area that needs to be corrected. You are given anesthesia during the surgery and will be lying upside down. Your doctor will make an incision depending upon the curvature of the spine to gain access to the vertebrae and will attach hooks to the various vertebrae to anchor rods to each side of the spine. After the hooks have been secured in place, the surgeon now bends the rod into the most possible natural curvature of the spine. After the rods have been fit into the hooks, the surgeon will secure everything in place with the help of screws. The surgeon now fuses the spine with bone grafts from the hip along the length of spine, closes the wound with the help of sutures and dressing is applied. Overtime, the bone will grow in between the vertebrae and hold them together and straight. This process is called spinal fusion and helps to cement everything naturally and in adding more natural strength. The metal rods attached to the spine ensure that the backbone remains straight while the spinal fusion takes place.

Recovery

After care surgery is very important for the success of the procedure. You will be made to sit the next day of the surgery, this can be very painful and is very important. Your doctor will also ask you to sit on a chair. You will be made to walk for short distance. This help implants to adjust more normally inside the body. You will have to suffer from pain. Pain is usually subsided by the use of pain killers. You have to be cautious about not developing any kind of infection etc. The procedure also involves spinal compression and might restrict some body movements. If you follow the instructions well and interact with your physician regularly you will be able to enjoy the success of the treatment. Many patients are able to return to school or work in 2 to 4 weeks after the surgery. Many are able to resume all pre-operative activities within 4 to 6 months.

Potential Risks

Surgery for scoliosis is a major surgery. Some potential risks involved are death and neurological damage, loss of normal spinal function, strain on un-fused vertebrae, post-surgery pain, infection and inflammatory processes etc. Majority of the risks are eliminated by using more sophisticated implants and surgical methods.