Scoliosis correction is a procedure done to correct the unnatural curvature of the spine that is the hallmark of scoliosis. Scoliosis is more than just an S-shaped curvature, though. In many patients, it also presents with degenerative discs and spinal compression. In some patients, surgical intervention is not necessary, but in many, it is essential. Scoliosis correction has come a very long way in recent years, and new minimally invasive procedures can be used to straighten and fuse the spine, as well as remove degenerative discs. To determine if scoliosis correction is right for your condition, contact Dr. Chetan Patel at AdventHealth Medical Group Spine Health. Call Call407-303-5452 for an appointment.
How Is Scoliosis Corrected?
Scoliosis correction is achieved through disc removal and spinal fusion. For the lumbar region of the back, Dr. Chetan Patel will make a lateral incision, rather than a midline incision. This ensures that none of the muscles in the back are cut. Instead, they are moved aside using dilators to make a tunnel to the area where surgery will be performed.
After the surgeon accesses the affected area of the spine, the degenerative discs will be removed and the spine will be straightened as much as possible (total correction in a serious curvature situation is not always possible). Next, the surgeon will install bone graft material around the vertebras that will be fused.
Bone grafts can be one of three things. The surgeon can harvest bone from the patient’s hip, in which case there is a longer recovery period and the situation is more painful for the patient. Second, the surgeon can use donor bone (called allograft, and usually harvested from a cadaver). Third, the surgeon can use genetically engineered protein instead.
To connect the vertebral layers, the surgeon will install hardware. Different types of hardware are available depending on the situation in question. Rods and pedicle screws are common options, but so are plates and screws. Both can be installed on either the front or back of the vertebra, and both are compatible with minimally invasive surgery.
The point of fusing the spine for scoliosis patients is to provide stability and to eliminate motion. By eliminating mobility in the spine, further curving is not possible, providing the patient with a higher quality of life and correcting their scoliosis.
Recovery Time for Scoliosis Correction
Recovery time for this type of surgery will vary considerably from one patient to another. It will depend largely on the scale of the correction. Patients with mild scoliosis will see shorter recovery times than those with severe curvature corrections. Another factor that will impact recovery time is whether the surgeon chooses a minimally invasive procedure or an open surgery. Dr. Patel uses minimally invasive techniques to ensure the fastest possible recovery times for patients.
To find out of scoliosis correction is a path open to you and what other options might be available, contact Dr. Chetan Patel at AdventHealth Medical Group Spine Health. Call Call407-303-5452 for an appointment.