Adult Scoliosis Surgery: Restoring Spinal Alignment and Improving Quality of Life
Anatomy
Scoliosis is a condition characterized by abnormal curvature of the spine, which can occur in any part of the spine. In adults, scoliosis can result from degenerative changes, spinal fractures, or progressive curvature from childhood scoliosis that was not corrected. These curves can cause pain, difficulty with breathing, and affect overall spinal function.
Injury
Adult scoliosis often develops gradually over time due to degenerative changes in the spine, such as disc degeneration, facet joint arthritis, or vertebral compression fractures. These changes can lead to spinal instability, deformity, and compression of nerves, resulting in pain, numbness, or weakness in the back and legs.
Treatment
Conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and spinal injections may help manage symptoms of adult scoliosis initially. However, if symptoms persist or worsen and significantly impact quality of life, surgical intervention may be recommended to correct the spinal curvature, stabilize the spine, and relieve nerve compression.
Surgery Options
Several surgical techniques may be utilized to address adult scoliosis, depending on the severity of the curvature and the specific needs of the patient:
- Posterior Spinal Fusion: This involves the placement of rods, screws, and bone grafts
along the back of the spine to correct the curvature and stabilize the spine. - Anterior Spinal Fusion: In some cases, an anterior approach may be used to access the
spine from the front of the body, allowing for correction of the curvature and fusion of
the affected vertebrae. - Minimally Invasive Surgery: Minimally invasive techniques may be employed to reduce tissue damage, blood loss, and postoperative pain. These techniques utilize small incisions and specialized instruments to access the spine, resulting in faster recovery times.
- Osteotomy: For severe cases of adult scoliosis with rigid curves, osteotomy may be
performed to remove wedges of bone and realign the spine. This procedure aims to
correct the curvature and improve spinal balance.
Postoperative Care
After adult scoliosis surgery, comprehensive postoperative care is essential for successful recovery and long-term outcomes:
- Pain Management: Medications are prescribed to manage postoperative pain and discomfort.
- Activity Modification: Patients are advised to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities during the initial recovery period to allow for proper healing.
- Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation may include physical therapy to strengthen core muscles, improve flexibility, and promote healing. Therapeutic exercises can help stabilize the spine and facilitate fusion.
- Follow-up Appointments: Regular follow-up visits with the surgeon are scheduled to monitor healing progress and assess spinal alignment. Imaging studies may be performed to evaluate fusion status.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Patients are encouraged to maintain a healthy weight, practice good posture, and engage in regular exercise to support spinal health and prevent future issues.
Dr. Shah specializes in adult scoliosis surgery, offering personalized care and comprehensive postoperative support to ensure successful recovery and improved quality of life for the patients. Contact us to schedule a consultation and explore your options for surgical treatment of adult scoliosis.
Contact
Feel free to inquire about your specific condition with us.
Every patient is distinct. Schedule an appointment to converse with us, allowing us to gain a precise understanding of your situation. Together, we’ll formulate a care plan tailored to your goals.