Scoliosis surgery can be used to fix the curvature of a spine, but it is not without its risks. The best method of fixing scoliosis is surgical spinal fusion, where small pins and screws are placed in the spine to pull it back into its proper shape. However, when your scoliosis surgery is complete, will you be able to play sports or go on a jog?
The first step in fixing scoliosis is seeing your doctor and discussing the condition. Next, discuss your options and understand the risks involved with surgery.
If you decide to undergo surgery, the actual procedure of surgery is relatively straightforward. However, spinal fusion isn’t as simple as inserting a rod into your spine. Instead, your scoliosis surgeon will use small screws to force two vertebrae together and fuse them so that they can no longer move on their own.
The spine can be fused using either metal grafts or bone grafts.
Scoliosis Surgery might be the best option for you if:
- If you have severe scoliosis, this might be the only way to fix your spine.
- Spinal fusion is best for adults who have between twenty and forty degrees of the curve.
- Spinal fusion is also recommended for people in line with societal norms or those whose careers or relationships are not damaged by the deformity.
- It is often considered to be the best treatment for scoliosis.
- Surgery can fix the spine, but if you aren’t happy with the result, you can always get another surgery in the future to correct it.
- It might also be a good option for those opposed to medication. According to medical experts at HCG hospital Ahmedabad, people are more likely to get very few side effects from Scoliosis Surgery.
Should I Get a Scoliosis Surgery?
It would help if you considered the risks involved before undergoing an operation, as with any surgery. Unfortunately, not every curve can be treated by Scoliosis Surgery. The straightness of your spine is one factor you have to consider.
If your curve is twenty degrees or less, you might not need Scoliosis Surgery. If your curve is twenty-one to forty degrees and doesn’t affect your quality of life, you don’t need Scoliosis Surgery either. Besides, HCG hospital Ahmedabad offers complete treatment options under one roof.
If the doctor feels you need Scoliosis Surgery, you should discuss it with them first to decide if this is the best option. Spinal fusion surgery is best for adults who have a curve of over forty degrees.
Scoliosis Surgery is most effective if done when your spine is fourteen years old or younger. However, it would help if you also had your healthcare provider check the effect of Scoliosis Surgery on your future activities.
What happens in Scoliosis Surgery?
- You may get general anesthesia. The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. Besides, you can leave the hospital the same day (as long as you pass the test that shows that your muscles have relaxed enough to hold up your head without feeling pain). Your doctor will stand by you during the operation, taking care not to make the incision anywhere it wouldn’t be possible for your breathing to come under pressure.
- It is a simple surgery. A small incision (cut) is made in your lower back.
- The bone graft is placed between the vertebrae and held until the bone fuses after six weeks. Your doctor might also insert an implant during the operation to help correct the curvature of your spine.
- This implant will keep your spine straight after being fused, but you should still ensure that you are careful not to do anything that would stress your weakened back muscles.
Pros of Scoliosis Surgery
Some benefits of scoliosis surgery include:
- When your spine fuses using bone grafts, there is a more substantial chance of spinal fusion.
- Immediate correction of your spine after surgery.
- Reduced pain in some patients. According to the reports, it is by far the most common benefit.
- Besides, it is because the fusing of two vertebrae will stop them from moving together, which can cause pain over time.
Cons of Scoliosis Surgery
Some disadvantages of scoliosis surgery include:
- Your back may not heal entirely after the procedure. The results in a permanent hump on your lower back and is not as comfortable as a natural alignment. To correct this, you will need to have another procedure performed on your spine in the future.
- The metal used in spinal fusion can cause disc problems.
- Back troubles can damage your spinal cord and lead to serious health problems.
- Scoliosis Surgery can correct your spine’s shape and give you a more traditional form. But, the surgery does have risks. If you are considering surgery, it is essential to consider whether or not the operation will improve your quality of life.
- If you choose to have the surgery, a surgeon will fix your spine by folding it in on itself through metal grafts or bone grafts.
What are the potential drawbacks of the surgery?
Scoliosis surgery carries some risks. One of the biggest problems is that the spine may not heal or fuse properly, and you still have a hunchback. If this occurs, you will have to undergo another surgery in the future.
In general, the surgeon recommends only to adults who have a curve of over 40 degrees. It is because adults are more likely to gain some mobility back than adolescents subjected to spinal fusion surgery.
Another risk associated with the surgery is having complications such as infection or pneumonia.
Thus, it is essential to get surgery from an experienced doctor. You can consult the top surgeons at HCG hospital Ahmedabad.
Conclusion:-
Scoliosis Surgery is a simple operation. You can have this surgery on an outpatient basis. It helps to improve your spinal curve.
The postoperative period after spinal fusion surgery involves pain from the surgical site and the risk of infection.
As we know, there might be pros and cons of the surgery. However, getting a second opinion can help to reduce the symptoms.
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