Correction of Adult Scoliosis and Kyphosis
What is it?
Scoliosis and kyphosis are both spinal deformities characterized by curvatures of the spine. Scoliosis in adults is characterized by an abnormal, side-to-side curvature of the spine, often accompanied by a rotation of the vertebrae. Adult scoliosis can either be a progression of a condition that began in childhood or develop due to degenerative changes in the spine, such as arthritis, disc degeneration, or osteoporosis.
Kyphosis refers to an excessive forward curvature of the spine, leading to a hunched-back appearance. While it can arise from developmental issues, in adults, it’s more commonly caused by degenerative diseases, osteoporotic fractures, or long-standing poor posture.
Benefits of Surgical Correction
- Alleviation of pain and discomfort associated with the deformity.
- Improvement in posture and appearance.
- Enhanced mobility and overall quality of life.
Recovery involves a hospital stay, pain management, and a period of rehabilitation, including physical therapy. Long-term follow-up is crucial to monitor the surgery’s success and the spine’s health.
Procedure
Treating these conditions in adults presents unique challenges due to the presence of degenerative changes, less flexibility in the spine, and often, coexisting health conditions that may complicate surgery.
Preoperative Planning includes detailed imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT scans) to assess the severity and complexity of the curvature and any associated nerve compression.
Evaluation of the patient’s overall health to determine the safest surgical approach.
Spinal Fusion is the most common surgical treatment for both scoliosis and kyphosis. This procedure aims to straighten and stabilize the spine by fusing two or more vertebrae.
Bone grafts, often supplemented with metal rods, screws, and cages, are used to facilitate the fusion and provide immediate stability.
Osteotomy may be necessary in cases of severe deformity to remove a portion of the vertebrae to correct the alignment. This procedure is more common in kyphosis correction.
Decompression Procedures such as laminectomy or foraminotomy may be performed alongside fusion if there is nerve compression leading to pain, weakness, or numbness.