Scoliosis Surgery

Scoliosis Surgery, Perhaps you’ve heard about some individuals suffering from spinal deformities or what is known as scoliosis, and the many problems that result from it. Therefore, in this article, we will discuss everything you want to know about scoliosis surgery, its steps, the procedures that the patient undergoes afterward, and other important information related to this surgery. Follow us to receive all the latest updates.

What is Scoliosis Surgery? Scoliosis Surgery

“Get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate surgical intervention to treat spinal deformities through the expertise of Dr. Amr Amal, and receive optimal treatment.”

Before we talk about scoliosis surgery, let us first learn about what scoliosis is. You will find that scoliosis is a curvature of the spine that occurs due to certain medical reasons affecting the spine, leading to deformation. In most cases, this vertebral deviation is present in a child from a young age, but an individual can suffer from it during adolescence. It is crucial for the doctor to diagnose the condition before performing surgery.

Scoliosis can affect children from the ages of 10 to 16, and both genders are susceptible to it at the same rates. The patient’s condition can be improved through various treatment methods determined based on the individual’s state and the degree of affliction. In most cases, scoliosis symptoms are not apparent until they start affecting the nerves, and the back’s shape becomes abnormal.

Scientists believe there are multiple reasons for scoliosis, and there are types with unknown causes. Generally, all causes lead to similar symptoms, which the doctor examines during the medical examination of the patient to determine the extent of impact on the vertebrae and whether the effects have reached the buttocks and legs or not.

What are the Signs of Scoliosis?

Certain signs typically appear on a person with scoliosis, making it easier for the doctor to diagnose the condition. Here is a brief overview of these symptoms:

• One shoulder being higher than the other.
• Back pain extending to the legs.
• Uneven height of the hips.
• One shoulder blade protruding more than the other.
• The patient feeling uncomfortable when walking or sitting.
• The body tilting to one side.
• Difficulty breathing and chest pain.
• Curvature in the back.
• Difficulty sitting in certain positions.

How is Scoliosis Diagnosed?

Clinical examination is essential for diagnosing the disease. When the patient leans forward, it becomes easy to notice the deformity associated with the spine. Additionally, the rib hump size and the degree of torsion can be measured using the Scoliometer.

Also, deviation from the body’s vertical position is very important and is documented either photographically or using surface measurement devices, such as the digital spine device. There are many cases identified by noticing a difference in shoulder blade height.

Radiographic imaging is used to evaluate the shape and degree of scoliosis and to measure the bending degree according to the Cobb angle. Radiographic imaging of the pelvis and left hand helps estimate spinal growth and make accurate predictions about future developments.

What are the causes of scoliosis?

There are several reasons that can lead to the curvature of the spinal vertebrae, known as scoliosis, which affects the straightness of the back and causes complications for the affected person. The causes of scoliosis include:

1. Exposure to certain diseases, including cerebral palsy.
2. Suffering from nerve atrophy.
3. The affected person having osteoporosis or arthritis.
4. Severe weight gain (morbid obesity).
5. Muscle atrophy.
6. Inflammation in the spinal column.
7. Exposure to a spinal injury as a result of an accident.
8. Congenital defects in the back of the affected person.
9. Neuromuscular disorders.
10. Atrophy in the spinal cord.

Types of Scoliosis Treatment

The curvature of the spinal column (scoliosis) can be treated in several ways, including non-surgical and surgical methods. Your doctor will determine the appropriate medical procedures after diagnosing and understanding the stage of the condition and the extent of its impact on the patient.

The non-surgical treatment method relies on the use of braces and corsets that work to straighten the spinal column and prevent further deviation. As for surgical treatment, it is one of the therapeutic methods followed to improve the condition of a person with scoliosis, through a procedure in which the vertebrae are fixed and the angle of inclination is adjusted to restore the spine to its straightness. For more details on non-surgical treatment of spinal deviation, we advise you to refer to the following article.

What are the types of scoliosis?

There are several types of scoliosis injuries in the body, including:

1. Scoliosis resulting from a congenital defect in the body.
2. Scoliosis due to neuromuscular disorders in the body.
3. Idiopathic scoliosis, which represents the majority of cases.
4. Degenerative scoliosis, which results from aging and occurs in adults.

What is the Scoliosis Surgery?

Scoliosis is one of the diseases that affect the spinal column, altering its shape to become curved towards one side in the shape of the letter “S”. This causes a change in the normal shape of the shoulders, hips, and back, making it difficult for the affected person to carry out normal daily activities or maintain a normal walking or sitting posture.

Scoliosis surgery, which aims to correct the curvature of the spinal column, is one of the traditional surgical procedures that requires general anesthesia. It involves the use of grafts, which are live tissues connected between the vertebrae, along with the necessary screws and rods that help adjust the patient’s condition and correct the curvature of the spine. The surgery can be performed in two ways:

1. Spinal Fusion Surgery: In some cases, doctors opt to fuse two or more vertebrae in the back to provide support and strengthen the vertebrae, allowing the patient to regain mobility and change the external appearance of the back. However, this surgery is irreversible and may cause some difficulties for the person.
2. Vertebral Body Tethering: While spinal fusion surgery can result in stiffness of the vertebrae and some pain, scoliosis correction surgery offers greater ease of movement and less stiffness.

When Should Scoliosis Surgery be Performed?

Surgical procedures are a suitable solution after diagnosing the patient and assessing the extent of damage to the spinal column. The doctor will then begin preparing a treatment plan for the patient, which is generally non-surgical, with progress being monitored over time.

If the treating physician finds that other types of treatments are not effective, or if the patient’s improvement is slow, the patient may be prepared for surgery, especially if there are congenital defects that have led to scoliosis or if the patient has been involved in an accident resulting in scoliosis.

Endoscopic Scoliosis Surgery

The use of an endoscope has improved significantly recently, becoming an important tool, especially in the treatment of spinal diseases. Currently, an endoscope can be used in scoliosis surgery, known as anterior scoliosis correction or vertebral body tethering. This procedure primarily involves limited surgical intervention to correct scoliosis by connecting the vertebral bodies in the spine.

This surgery is performed using a specific type of rod designed for such surgeries, which is installed in the spine, replacing the metal rod used in other surgeries. This provides greater flexibility to the back, allowing the patient more freedom of movement after the surgery.

Endoscopic Scoliosis Surgery Anterior Scoliosis Correction (Vertebral Body Tethering)

This is a modern procedure in treating the spine after it has been affected by curvature or bending, causing the person to be unable to move normally and causing difficulty in breathing due to the impact on the spine and heart.

The goal of anterior scoliosis correction is to adjust the curvature from the front by connecting a specific plastic piece, which is a braided compound used to improve the curvature condition of the vertebrae without causing stiffness in the vertebrae. This allows for greater flexibility in the patient’s movement after the operation.

How is scoliosis surgery performed?

Traditional scoliosis surgery is performed in several steps, after preparing the patient for surgery and ensuring the body’s vital activities are stable. The patient must fast for several hours from food and about two hours from drinking, as they will undergo general anesthesia. Additionally, specific types of antibiotics are taken for two weeks before the operation to help avoid infection.

The steps of scoliosis surgery are as follows:

The anesthesiologist starts by administering general anesthesia. The surgeon then makes an incision or cut in the back near the middle of the back. Rods made of titanium material are used and connected with medical screws. These rods are tightened in a specific way to correct the curvature in the spine to its normal position. The wound is dressed after the surgery and stitched with dissolvable stitches, and the patient is taken to the recovery room. The vital activities of the patient are measured again to ensure the safety of the surgery.

Specific tools related to nerves are used during scoliosis surgery, which work to protect nerve signals, reducing the risk of serious complications from the surgery. Certainly, the skill of the surgeon plays a significant role in increasing the success rate of the operation.

What are the expected outcomes of undergoing a scoliosis surgery?

Stopping the progression of spinal curvature: When the degree of spinal curvature is significant, the doctor performs a spinal deformity surgery to stop the curvature from progressing and to restore it to its normal position. Maintaining normal body movement: During the surgical procedure, the doctor ensures that as many vertebrae as possible are not fixed with metal, allowing them to be free. This is to maintain the flexibility of the spine during normal daily movements and sports activities. Eliminating visible deformities on the spine: Scoliosis surgery helps to eliminate the apparent protrusion in the back. The more flexible the spine, the higher the success rate of the surgery, and consequently, the shape of the spine will be closer to normal.

How does scoliosis affect children? And what is the appropriate age for scoliosis surgery?

Scoliosis affects children under five years of age, having a direct impact on the lungs. The more the spinal curvature increases, the more negatively the growth of the lungs is affected, resulting in lung inflammation, breathing difficulties, and heart arrest.

However, after the age of five years, scoliosis does not affect the heart and lungs unless the degree of spinal curvature exceeds 100 degrees. Generally, doctors recommend scoliosis surgery if the degree of curvature is more than 40 degrees, especially for children under 14 years of age, i.e., before puberty.

Post-Scoliosis Surgery Instructions

The instructions followed by the patient after scoliosis surgery are crucial steps that help in faster recovery and prevent serious complications. Here are the steps that should be followed after spinal deformity correction “scoliosis” surgery: The patient should ensure adequate rest and avoid exerting effort. Avoid riding in a car during the first few days after the surgery. Avoid bending the back or lifting heavy objects. Keep the wound site clean and free from contamination. The doctor will gradually reduce the pain medication. Gradually increase the patient’s physical activity until they can return to work or school.

The patient can resume their daily activities after a period of 3 weeks to a month after the surgery, and full recovery is expected within 6 months to a year. During this period, medical follow-up is extremely important.

How long does the scoliosis surgery take?

“Benefit from Dr. Amr Amal’s experience in scoliosis surgery and advanced technology to achieve the best results in relieving your spinal deformity issues.”

Scoliosis surgery may require a considerable amount of time, which is common in spinal surgeries due to their precision, numerous details, and pre-surgical preparations. The duration of scoliosis surgery ranges from 4 to 10 hours in the operating room. Afterward, the patient returns to their room and stays in the hospital for several days post-surgery.

Recovery Duration after Scoliosis Surgery

Recovery after scoliosis surgery may take a period ranging from one month to 12 months post-surgery, with a shorter duration for younger children. During this period, it is essential for the patient to be aware of and follow the post-surgery instructions, which helps in achieving faster recovery. Prepare to resume your favorite activities and achieve your health goals with scoliosis surgery at Dr. Amr Amal’s clinic.

What is the success rate of scoliosis surgery?

The success rates of spinal surgeries are continuously increasing due to improvements and developments in the medical field in general. The success rate of scoliosis surgery has exceeded 80%, especially with the use of endoscopy as one of the modern techniques in this field. Benefit from modern diagnostic and treatment techniques with Dr. Amr Amal in scoliosis surgery.

What is the cost of spinal curvature surgery in Egypt?

Calculating the cost varies depending on several factors including the doctor performing the surgery, the hospital where the surgery is conducted, the number of days the patient will stay at the center, and other factors that should be discussed with the medical team of the doctor performing the surgery. In general, the cost of spinal curvature surgery in Egypt ranges from 100,000 to 200,000 Egyptian pounds.

Is scoliosis treatment surgery dangerous?

Scoliosis surgery is considered one of the surgeries that can have some complications for the patient post-surgery. These risks include:

• Inflammation or infection at the wound site.
• Nerve injury and damage, which is rare.
• Inflammation in the lungs or fluid accumulation in them. In severe scoliosis cases, the patient may experience difficulty breathing as the rib cage presses on the lungs.
• Blood clots.
• With the aggravation of scoliosis, more noticeable changes can occur, including uneven hips and shoulders, rib protrusion, and shifting of the waist and trunk to one side. Therefore, individuals with scoliosis often feel embarrassed about their appearance.

Trust the expertise of Dr. Amr Amal and his team in treating scoliosis and providing specialized treatment for various spinal curvature issues.

Post-scoliosis surgery symptoms

Some symptoms may appear on the patient after undergoing scoliosis surgery, leading to certain complications in general. The patient may face some risks including:

• Back pain, which is one of the most common complications.
• Nerve damage.
• Inflammation in the affected area.
• Stiffness in the vertebrae.

Back pain after scoliosis surgery

After surgery to correct spinal curvature due to scoliosis, the patient may experience back pain post-surgery. This is normal, and the pain gradually decreases after surgery. It may persist for three to four weeks after the operation. It is then advisable for the patient to take various painkillers prescribed by the doctor, ensuring to take them at the specified times and in the specified doses.

How much pain is there after the surgery? The degree of pain experienced by the patient after surgery varies. The first few days can be uncomfortable, but most patients start to feel better on the third or fourth day. The pain gradually becomes mild, and teenagers can return to school within two to four weeks. After the first month of surgery, the pain may persist mildly, but after six weeks, the patient should no longer need to take any painkillers.

How to Sleep after Scoliosis Surgery

There are more than one way for a person to sleep after scoliosis surgery, such as sleeping on one side or sleeping on the back with the use of comfortable pillows that relieve pressure on the back. The patient should avoid sleeping on the stomach, as this sleeping position can increase pain and make the patient feel uncomfortable. You can consult Dr. Amr Amal today to get advice about scoliosis surgery and prepare to live without pain.

How to Sleep after Scoliosis Surgery Post-Scoliosis Surgery Exercises?

Physical therapy after scoliosis surgery is one of the essential steps that help improve the person’s condition and reach proper recovery. However, it is necessary to adhere to the exercises specified by the specialist doctor and avoid jumping or running in the first three months after the surgery. You can achieve amazing results and improve your quality of life with the scoliosis surgery performed by Dr. Amr Amal.

Does Height Increase after Scoliosis Surgery?

“Enjoy natural movement and restoration of the spine’s posture with Dr. Amr Amal’s scoliosis surgery.”

It is possible for a person’s height to increase after scoliosis surgery because it works to correct the curvature of the spine, which can add several centimeters to the patient’s height. However, this varies from person to person depending on the back injury’s condition.

Can a Person Recover from Scoliosis?

The diagnosis of scoliosis depends on age, the severity of the disease, and its causes. Therefore, it is possible to influence and straighten the spine in adult patients effectively. Deformities in the spine can be successfully corrected in adolescents through conventional treatment with physical therapy and orthopedic braces.

Best Doctor for Scoliosis Surgery

Dr. Amr Amal is one of the best doctors in the field of scoliosis surgery, distinguished by his extensive experience and comprehensive knowledge in this field, making him an important reference for patients seeking effective treatment and solutions for scoliosis. With his deep knowledge of both traditional and modern treatment techniques, Dr. Amr Amal can offer the best available options to patients.

His ability to communicate with patients politely and kindly enhances the trust and comfort they feel during their treatment journey. This is because his professional and precise surgical skills enable him to achieve excellent results and fully restore the patients’ health. In addition, Dr. Amr Amal is characterized by his strong ethics and his spirit of service, as he cares greatly for the comfort of patients and works hard to meet their needs and requirements in the best possible way. Dr. Amr Amal is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a professional and reputable doctor in the field of scoliosis surgery.