Scoliosis

(laeticia) #1

To fix the curve, adolescents and young adults who have
stopped developing will have an operation called spinal
fusion. A spinal fusion is normally only done to a patient
mostly with a curvature of 45-50° and higher. Surgeons
bind two or three of the bones in the spine (vertebrae)
together during spinal fusion, so they do not move
independently. Between the vertebrae, fragments of
bone or a bone-like substance are put. Usually, metal
rods, hooks, screws, or wires keep the portion of the
spine straight and steady when fusing together the old
and new bone content. If at a young age, scoliosis
develops quickly, surgeons can insert a rod that can vary
in length as the child grows. This rising rod is attached to
the spinal curvature's top and bottom parts and is
normally lengthened every six months. Bleeding,
infection, pain, or nerve damage can involve
complications of spinal surgery. The bone rarely fails to
heal, and another operation may be required. This
surgery is supposed to stop growth completely in the
abnormal segment of the spine and prevent the curve
from getting worse. The fused portion of the patient's
back will be permanently stiff. Most patients have enough
motion in the unfused part of their backs to continue
their normal activities of daily living and do some sport.

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