What is Scoliosis (Spinal Curvature) Surgery and How is It Performed?

Summarize This Content with Artificial Intelligence (AI):

Scoliosis (spinal curvature) surgery is the surgical correction of abnormal curvatures in the spine. Surgical method is generally preferred for curvatures greater than 40-50 degrees. Because severe scoliosis causes pain, loss of balance, and pressure on organs, the patient's quality of life is significantly improved after scoliosis surgery. Surgery can be planned with different techniques depending on the degree of curvature and the general health status of the patient.

What is Scoliosis Surgery?

Scoliosis surgery is the surgical correction of the abnormal curvature of the spine to the right or left. Scoliosis usually occurs during adolescence. If the curvature is mild and of low degree, regular follow-up, physical therapy and sports such as swimming may be sufficient, while in advanced cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. Scoliosis surgery is necessary when there is a curvature greater than 40-50 degrees.

The purpose of scoliosis surgery is to stop the progression of the curvature, straighten the spine as much as possible, reduce the pressure on the organs and provide body balance. At the same time, problems such as severe pain and respiratory difficulties that may occur due to curvature are prevented.

The surgery requires advanced surgical experience and equipment. It is performed by surgeons of the Neurosurgery Department. Although it is generally a feared surgery, operations have become safer thanks to modern surgical techniques. When performed with appropriate surgical techniques, scoliosis surgery provides a permanent solution by improving the patient's quality of life.

Bu gönderiyi Instagram'da gör

Medipol Global (@medipolglobal.en)'in paylaştığı bir gönderi

Who is Suitable for Scoliosis Surgery?

Scoliosis surgery may not be necessary for every scoliosis patient. Surgery may be planned for patients who meet certain criteria. In evaluating these criteria, the patient's age, degree of curvature, rate of progression of the curvature and other complaints are taken into consideration. Scoliosis surgery is preferred especially in severe cases and when non-surgical methods are inadequate. The criteria required for scoliosis surgery are as follows:

Curvature of 40–50 degrees and above
Regular progression of the curvature (especially during adolescence)
Severe complaints such as shortness of breath, pain, and limited movement
Failure to respond to conservative treatments such as physical therapy, corset use, and exercise
Spinal balance disorders and nerve pressure

Scoliosis surgery is a treatment option considered in severe cases; not every scoliosis patient is a candidate for surgery. For this reason, the decision to perform surgery is made after a detailed evaluation of each patient.

Fill out the form to get information.

What are the Types of Scoliosis Surgery?

Scoliosis surgery consists of four types: spinal fusion, expansion systems, tethering method and anterior spinal fusion. The surgeon decides on the most appropriate method for the patient's condition by evaluating all factors. Details of the surgeries are as follows:

Spinal Fusion Surgery

It is the most widely used scoliosis surgery method. During surgery, bone grafts are placed between the vertebrae, and then the spine is fixed with screws, metal rods and wires. In this way, the vertebrae with the curvature are fused together over time.

Expansion Systems

This type of surgery is especially preferred in children and adolescents who are still growing. The goal of surgery is to allow growth while correcting the scoliosis. The surgery is performed with extendable or expandable rods placed in the spine. This system is examined under two types:

Growing Rods: In this system, the rods placed in the spine are lengthened with an operation every 6 months. The action is taken depending on the growth of the child.

MAGEC Rods: In this system, the inserted rods are lengthened non-surgically with a magnetic device. It is advantageous in that it does not require surgery.

Vertebral Vertebral Body Tethering-VBT

This method is minimally invasive, meaning the surgery is performed through small incisions. During surgery, screws are placed in the vertebrae and a flexible cable (connecting rope) is placed to connect the screws to each other. This ligament is tightened, and as the child grows, the scoliosis gradually corrects as the ligament pulls on the spine.

Anterior Spinal Fusion (Fusion with Frontal Approach)

In this method, the surgeon accesses the spine from the front and joins the vertebral bones together. It is generally applied in lumbar scoliosis.

Get Free Consultation

How is Scoliosis Surgery Performed?

How scoliosis surgery is performed varies depending on the type of surgery. A personalized plan is created for each patient and the patient is taken through a very step-by-step process. The surgical procedure is decided after clinical evaluation and imaging tests. It is planned which vertebrae will be corrected and which surgical technique (fusion, tethering, growing rod, etc.) will be applied. Additionally, the patient's age, growth potential and health status are taken into consideration.

The Growing Rods method involves surgically lengthening the rods placed in the spine every 6 months. In the MAGEC Rods method, although a rod is placed in a similar manner, it does not require a second surgery because it can be extended from the outside with a magnetic device.

Vertebral body tethering (VBT) is a minimally invasive method in which screws are placed into the vertebrae and connected with a flexible rope, allowing the spine to gradually straighten during the growth process. Anterior spinal fusion is performed by the surgeon approaching the spine from the front and fusing the vertebrae together, and is generally preferred for scoliosis in the lumbar region.

What are the Advantages of Scoliosis Surgery?

Scoliosis surgery has many functional and psychological advantages. The biggest and most basic advantage of the surgery is stopping and correcting the curvature of the spine. With surgery, the curvature is largely corrected and the spine is restored to a natural structure. Other advantages of scoliosis surgery include:

Correction of posture
Decrease or total elimination of pain
Decreased limitation of movement
Protection of respiratory functions
Improvement of psychological problems such as lack of self-confidence and depression
Making daily activities easier to do
Preventing possible complications from scoliosis
Providing a permanent solution

Scoliosis surgery not only corrects the curvature but also improves the patient's physical and psychological condition. Scoliosis surgery performed on the right person, at the right time, and with the right technique can significantly transform the quality of life.

What are the Risks of Scoliosis Surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, scoliosis surgery carries some risks. These risks vary depending on the surgical method chosen, the patient's age and general health, the degree of scoliosis, and the surgeon's experience. Knowing these risks when planning surgery is very important for the patient and their family. Possible risks of scoliosis surgery include:

Infection may develop.
A blood transfusion may be required during or after surgery.
Nerve damage may occur.
The implants used may become damaged over time.
Union may fail in spinal fusion surgery.
Pain may continue after surgery.
Scoliosis may progress again.
Recovery after surgery may take a long time.

Reducing all these risks is possible thanks to modern techniques and expert surgeons. The development of risks also depends on the patient. Therefore, it is of great importance that the patient actively participates in the pre- and post-operative processes after a detailed evaluation by a specialist and experienced spine surgeon. If attention is paid to the factors communicated by the surgeon, risks can be minimized and a successful recovery process can be achieved.

What Should You Pay Attention to After Scoliosis Surgery?

The success of scoliosis surgery depends on postoperative care and attention as much as the surgical procedure itself. Attentive post-operative care and regular implementation of recommended exercises are very important for the rapid recovery of the patient. The healing process varies from patient to patient. The main conditions to be considered after scoliosis surgery are as follows:

The lying position should be taken into consideration for a while.
Movements that strain the spine, such as bending and twisting, should be avoided.
Wound care should be done regularly and in accordance with the doctor's recommendations.
Rehabilitation programs planned with a physiotherapist should not be neglected.
Smoking and alcohol should be avoided as they slow down healing.
Nutrition should be taken into consideration and plenty of water should be consumed.
Check-ups should not be neglected.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scoliosis Surgery

How Long Does the Scoliosis Surgery Take?

Scoliosis surgery usually takes between 4 and 8 hours. The duration varies depending on the degree of curvature, the number of vertebrae to be corrected, and the surgical technique used.

Does Scoliosis Surgery Increase Height?

Yes, scoliosis surgery can cause height gain by reducing the curvature. This height gain occurs by correcting the shortening of the spine caused by the curvature.

How Many Degrees of Scoliosis Require Surgery?

Surgery may generally be required for scoliosis greater than 40–50 degrees.

What is the Cobb Angle?

The Cobb angle is a radiological method used to measure the severity of scoliosis. It measures the angle between the two most curved vertebrae on X-ray images to determine the degree of spinal curvature.

Will the Platinum Break After Scoliosis Surgery?

Although rare, loosening, fracture, or displacement of the platinum may occur, especially in cases of intense activity, trauma, or inadequate union (pseudarthrosis).