What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine that bends sideways. Normally, the spine is aligned vertically, but in scoliosis, the spine bends in an S or C shape. This curvature usually develops during childhood or adolescence, but scoliosis can also occur in adults. Scoliosis is not only a curvature of the spine, but can also produce a rotational deformity. The cause of scoliosis is usually unknown (idiopathic scoliosis), but in some cases it can be the result of congenital, nervous, muscular or traumatic factors.
If left untreated, scoliosis can progress and lead to severe pain, poor posture, breathing difficulties and problems with internal organ function. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent scoliosis from progressing.
What is Scoliosis Surgery?
Scoliosis surgery is a surgical intervention to correct the abnormal curvature of the spine and restore the correct alignment of the spine. Surgical treatment is usually performed to prevent the progression of scoliosis, reduce pain, correct the deformity and improve the patient’s quality of life. Scoliosis surgery is generally preferred in cases of scoliosis with severe curvature that does not respond to conservative treatment methods.
How is Scoliosis Surgery Performed?
Scoliosis surgery can vary depending on the patient’s age, type and degree of scoliosis. However, the following steps are generally followed:
- Preparation and Anesthesia:
Scoliosis surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon completes the necessary preparations according to the patient’s condition and determines the appropriate techniques to realign the spine. - Surgical Intervention (Posterior and Anterior Approach):
- Posterior Surgery: Surgery performed from the back (posterior) part of the spine. This is the most commonly used technique to correct curvature of the spine. In this approach, metal rods, screws and plates are inserted into the spine.
- Anterior surgery: Surgery performed from the front (anterior) part of the spine and is usually preferred in more complex cases of scoliosis. In anterior surgery, disc removal or bone additions can be performed to correct the deformity of the spine.
In scoliosis surgery, fusion (fusion of the vertebrae) can be performed to correct the curvature of the spine. In this procedure, the intervertebral spaces are filled and the vertebrae are fused together. Metal rods and screw systems allow the spine to heal more firmly and properly.
- Recovery Process:
After surgery, patients are usually monitored in the hospital for a few days. The recovery process can vary depending on the type of scoliosis and the complexity of the surgery. Physical therapy and special back supports help speed up the recovery process. Patients may also need to avoid certain activities after surgery.
Conditions and Symptoms Requiring Scoliosis Surgery: Scoliosis surgery is usually recommended in the following cases:
- Advanced Scoliosis Curvature: Surgical intervention is necessary in curvatures exceeding 45-50 degrees.
- Scoliosis with Pain and Functional Loss: Cases of scoliosis that cause severe pain and restriction of movement affecting daily life.
- Progressive Curvature: Rapid progression of the curve, especially in childhood.
- Internal Organ Problems due to Spinal Deformity: If the curvature puts pressure on the lungs and heart, causing breathing or circulation problems.
Why Metropol Health Group? Metropol Health Group offers the highest quality healthcare services to its patients with its experienced specialist staff, state-of-the-art technological equipment and multidisciplinary approach in the field of scoliosis surgery. At Metropol Health Group, scoliosis treatment is carried out with customized and up-to-date medical methods for each patient.
- Expert Team: Our specialist doctors in orthopedics and neurosurgery have deep knowledge and experience in scoliosis surgery.
- Advanced Technology: More accurate diagnosis and treatment processes are provided with the latest technological equipment and 3D imaging systems.
- Individual Treatment: A customized treatment plan is created for each patient and the postoperative recovery process is closely monitored.
- High Success Rate: Metropol Health Group has high success rates in scoliosis surgery and ensures that patients experience a rapid recovery process.