Scoliosis Spine Surgery Treatment

Scoliosis is an unhealthy curvature of your spine. Normally, children or teenagers succumb to this ill-health. In this condition, the spine moves in a deviant manner side-to-side, i.e., C or S shape. Doctors typically recommend scoliosis spine surgery treatment for severe cases where the curve exceeds 45 degrees or shows a fast rate of progression. This curvature, when it exceeds 10 degrees, is visible on an X-ray. It may require constant monitoring for signs of scoliosis.

The factors that lead to this ill-health include genetics, hormones, neurological problems, and muscle disorders. The person bends to one side, causing an imbalance in body structure. Breathing issues and neurological diseases that hamper the quality of life may also be some future considerations. This medical surgery aims to stop further spine curvature and straighten the spine. Also to make sure the spine is stable in the long term.

Types of Scoliosis Spine Surgery

Your doctor might recommend this procedure to make the spinal curve straight and prevent it from getting worse.

Different kinds of scoliosis spine surgery include:

• Spinal fusion: Two or more spinal bones are connected so that there is no independent movement between them. Bone-like substance is arranged between the vertebrae. Metal rods, screws, or wires keep the part of the spine straight and firm. The surgeon will straighten the spine as safely as possible. 
• Expanding rod: This treatment is used on children where fast development of the scoliosis is prominent. A surgeon implants one or two expandable rods, which can be modified as the youngster grows. After every 3 to 6 months, the length of the rods is adjusted as per the condition of the individual.
• Vertebral body tethering (VBT): Screws and a cord that is bendable is used to correct the defective spine. Screws are placed suitably along the spine. A bendable cord is made to pass slowly along the screws. As the chord is tightened, the spine straightens.

Who is Eligible for This Surgery?

Individuals who show the following conditions may need this medical surgery.

• Individuals with severe painful spinal curvature that do not improve with bracing are suitable for this procedure.
• Patients with curves that are more than 45 to 50 degrees are more prone to this condition. Particularly if the curve is getting worse which shows on X-ray monitoring.
• Surgery is frequently an option for adolescents and young adults if their curvatures are severe and getting worse over time.
• An ongoing neurological problem that may be an outcome of an abnormal spinal cord.

Factors That Require This Surgical Treatment 

Scoliosis surgery is treated by orthopedic surgeons that depend on the magnitude of the curve. Bracing or surgery is the procedure that may be needed if the spinal curvature is moderate to large.

The element that decide if surgery is needed or not, include:

• Maturity: There is little chance of curve progression if a child’s bones have stopped to develop. This implies that youngsters whose bones are still growing benefit from braces to the highest degree. Hand X-rays can be used to analyze the maturity of bones.
• Curvature: Curves that are large enough worsen with time rapidly.
• Sex: Females are at greater risk compared to males.

Risks and Complications

Scoliosis spine surgery is normally safe but it may lead to several complications. These are as follows:

• Loss of blood
• Infection
• Nerve injury
• lung problems
• intestinal impediment

Procedure

Scoliosis surgery is normally done to straighten and stabilize a bent spine. The summary of the process is as follows:

Incision and Admittance: 

• The surgeon and his team make a cut, to look into the spine. This may be done from the front or the back. It depends on the particular technique and the health of the individual person.

Spinal Correction

• The spinal deformity is corrected by attaching metal rods, screws, hooks, and wires. As much as is safe, the surgeon wants to straighten the spine.

Bone Grafting

• Tiny fragments of bone are put along the spine, either from a patient or from a donor. By preventing additional curvature, these grafts aid in the vertebrae’s fusion into a single, solid bone.

Fusion

• A strong, straightened spine is produced as the bone grafts develop and unite with the vertebrae over time. Typically, this process takes four to five months.

Post-Operative Care

• Patients are frequently hospitalized for three to seven days following surgery. Pain is managed, usually using an epidural catheter. Physical treatment and progressive increases in activity levels follow. The complete recovery can take up to a year.

Recovery after Scoliosis Spine Surgery

Normally 2 to 4 weeks is the rest period after this surgery. The doctor usually gives painkillers to decrease the pain. For adolescents and children the recovery time is less and is between 2 to 6 weeks.

Some precautions to be borne in mind:

• Avoid bending your back and lifting heavy objects.
• Try to sleep keeping your spine straight. You can prop yourself up on your side using pillows.
• Do not drive any vehicle for at least 8 weeks.
• Consult with your doctor on a regular basis. He or she is the best person who can guide you to return to your normal activities.

Cost of This Surgery

If you want an affordable and quality treatment for scoliosis spine surgery, then muster India as a safe haven. It normally costs USD 6,500 to 13,500 or INR 5,60,000 to 11,60,000 for this procedure. This is quite affordable as compared to the treatment in many western countries, where it can cost you up to 60 % more.

Here are some specifics concerning the surgery and the associated costs:

• Spine surgeon’s fees
• The type of surgery
• Surgery related expenses
• Hospital facility