Frequently Asked Questions About Scoliosis
What Is Idiopathic Scoliosis?
It is the most common form of scoliosis, and it is thought that it may have a hereditary cause. It most commonly appears in young girls during the rapid growth period of adolescence. During examination, if it is noticed that one shoulder is higher than the other, scoliosis may be suspected.
Does Every Scoliosis Case Necessarily Need Treatment?
Patients with a scoliosis angle of less than 30 degrees do not require surgical treatment, but they should be monitored at 6-month intervals.
Which Patients With Scoliosis Are Recommended for Surgery?
Scoliosis cases of 40 degrees or more require correction with surgery.
Is the Follow-up and Treatment of Every Scoliosis Patient the Same?
The course of the disease and the outcome of the treatment depend on the location and degree of the curvature. The greater the curvature, the greater the chance that the curvature will increase after growth stops.
The Angle of the Spinal Curvature, That Is, the Cobb Angle?
Physical therapy for 0-20 degrees
Physical Therapy and Bracing Between 20-40 Degrees?
Surgery is recommended for 40 degrees and above.
What Can Happen If Scoliosis Is Not Treated?
Untreated severe scoliosis may lead to heart and lung problems due to decreased lung capacity, back pain, physical deformities, degenerative arthritis of the spine, and sciatica.??The curvature itself or the treatment methods applied may also cause emotional problems or reduced self-confidence.
How Is Scoliosis Surgery Performed ?
In scoliosis surgeries, implants consisting of screws and rods are placed into the vertebrae involved in the curvature to correct the deformity, and fusion of the vertebrae in the corrected area is achieved. Today, the standardized procedure is the correction performed from the back. Necessary fixation points are created for each vertebra with titanium screws inserted through the center of a small bone block called the pedicle. Surgical experience is of great importance in the proper placement of these screws. This is because important anatomical structures such as the spinal cord, nerves, vessels, and internal organs are located around this small bone block.
How Long Does Scoliosis Surgery Take?
Scoliosis surgeries used to be known as major operations lasting 8-10 hours, involving bleeding, and requiring patients to stay in intensive care for a long time. However, today, thanks to advancing technology, the surgery time has decreased to 2-3 hours and the results have become quite satisfactory.
