Frequently Asked Questions About Scoliosis Surgery

What are the reasons of scoliosis?

Idiopathic (unknown) and congenital (emerged in uterus) are frequently encountered reasons for scoliosis. Lack of some vitamin/elements, cerebral palsy, polio, muscular dystrophy can lead to scoliosis.

How can scoliosis be treated?

Scoliosis can be treated as both surgical and conservative (nonsurgical).

What is the ratio of success in scoliosis operations?

The success ratio of surgery for idiopathic scoliosis is very high (above 90%). In neuromuscular group also success rate of correction is high. But in congenital or syndromic scoliosis success rate is differ in range of 40 to 80%.

Do surgical risks differ by scoliosis type?

Surgical risk ratio depends on scoliosis type, curvature and the beginning time of treatment.

Does corset work for scoliosis treatment?

Bracing and orthotics can be used with physiotherapy exercises for conservative (nonsurgical) treatment in selected cases. Success ratio is high in well-selected cases.

Can scoliosis be treated by help of the pilates and reformer?

There is no any scientific data for success of pilates and reformer in scoliosis care. Scoliosis is an orthopaedic disease. The treatment should be done by scientifically proved methods.

Can scoliosis be treated by swimming?

There is no evidence about benefit of swimming for scoliosis treatment. Although swimming is beneficial for spine health, it is not adequate for scoliosis treatment by itself.

What is the risk ratio in scoliosis surgery?

In idiopathic scoliosis, complication rate is 5.6 to 7.6 % when complication rate is nearly 40% (10.1 to 89%) in congenital scoliosis. In our series, complication rate is 0% in idiopathic scoliosis, 2% in congenital scoliosis, 3% in neuromuscular scoliosis.

Does scoliosis surgeries have risk of paraplegia?

The risk ratio is 2,5 to 5% depending upon scoliosis type, curvature and other factors in idiopathic scoliosis. Up to 40% in congenital neglected cases and congenital revision cases.

Is there any implementation reducing risks in scoliosis surgery?

There are a few simultaneous methods during spinal cord surgery: Somatosensory Evoked Potential (SSEP).

When is early surgery needed for scoliosis?

In congenital scoliosis, surgery can be necessary even for 1 yo. In congenital scoliosis, surgery should be done as early as possible. In idiopathic scoliosis, surgery can be postponed till to adolescence period.

When is revision surgery needed?

In early onset and congenital scoliosis repetitive surgery is done. In case of infection, instrumentation failures, pseudoarthrosis or uncompleted surgery, revision surgery should be done.

How is expectancy of life in congenital scoliosis?

The appearance of congenital scoliosis depend on curvature’s nature and severity. For the children who have severe curvatures, a successful spine surgery and ministration after surgery will help their spines grow in a normal way.

Prof. Dr. Hayati Aygün

Orthopedics and Traumatology specialist

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