What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a medical condition that affects the curvature of the spine, causing it to curve to the left or right side. It is a three-dimensional deformity that can develop at any age, but is most commonly diagnosed during adolescence. Scoliosis can range from mild to severe, and in some cases can cause pain and disability. Treatment options depend on the severity of the condition and may include observation, bracing, or surgery.
The onset of scoliosis can occur in any part of the spine. Scoliosis, which can occur at birth or later, can affect people of all ages; however, it usually occurs during adolescence. Symptoms such as swelling on the back, asymmetric stance of the shoulders and hips are effective in the initial understanding of scoliosis.
What are the symptoms of scoliosis disease?
The symptoms of scoliosis can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Some people may have no symptoms at all, while others may experience:
- Uneven shoulder or hip height
- A visible curvature of the spine
- Asymmetrical waistline
- One shoulder blade that appears more prominent than the other
- One leg appearing shorter than the other
- Back pain, particularly in the lower back
- Difficulty breathing, in severe cases where the curvature of the spine affects the lungs
- Fatigue or discomfort after sitting or standing for long periods of time
It is important to note that scoliosis can sometimes develop without any noticeable symptoms, which is why regular check-ups with a doctor are recommended for early detection and treatment.
What are scoliosis treatments?
The treatment options for scoliosis depend on the severity of the condition. Mild scoliosis may not require treatment and only regular check-ups with a doctor to monitor the condition may be recommended. However, moderate to severe scoliosis may require one or more of the following treatment options:
- Observation: This involves regular monitoring of the curve to ensure that it is not worsening over time.
- Bracing: Braces are worn to prevent the curve from getting worse. They are usually recommended for children and adolescents who are still growing and have a curve of more than 25 to 30 degrees.
- Surgery: Surgery may be recommended if the curve is severe, and/or if the patient is experiencing symptoms such as pain or difficulty breathing. Surgery aims to straighten the spine and prevent the curve from getting worse. It may involve the use of metal rods, screws, and hooks to hold the spine in place while it fuses together.
The choice of treatment depends on a variety of factors, including the age of the patient, the severity of the curve, and the presence of any symptoms. It is important to discuss the best treatment option with a doctor or spine specialist.
How does the scoliosis surgery process proceed?
Scoliosis surgery is a complex procedure that aims to straighten the spine and prevent the curvature from getting worse. The surgery involves the use of metal rods, screws, and hooks to hold the spine in place while it fuses together. Here is a general overview of the scoliosis surgery process:
- Anesthesia: The patient is put under general anesthesia to ensure that they are asleep and do not feel any pain during the surgery.
- Incision: A large incision is made in the back to access the spine.
- Exposure: The muscles and other tissues are carefully moved aside to expose the spine.
- Placement of hardware: Metal rods, screws, and hooks are placed on the spine to hold it in place.
- Fusion: A bone graft is placed along the spine to promote fusion, which means the spine will grow together as one solid bone over time.
- Closing the incision: The incision is closed with sutures or staples.
- Recovery: The patient is moved to the recovery room where they will be closely monitored for several hours before being transferred to a hospital room.
After the surgery, the patient will be required to wear a brace to support their spine while it heals. They will also need to attend physical therapy to regain strength and mobility. The recovery time for scoliosis surgery can vary from several weeks to several months, depending on the severity of the surgery and the age and overall health of the patient.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scoliosis Surgery (FAQ)
Scoliosis surgery is typically recommended for individuals who have a spinal curvature of 40 degrees or more, and for those who have experienced significant pain or discomfort as a result of the condition.
As with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks associated with scoliosis surgery, including infection, blood loss, nerve damage, and spinal cord injury. However, these risks can be minimized through careful planning and execution of the procedure.
The length of the surgery can vary depending on the severity of the curvature and the specific techniques used, but generally lasts between four and eight hours.
The recovery process can be lengthy, typically requiring a hospital stay of several days to a week or more. During this time, the patient will need to wear a brace and take pain medications to manage discomfort. Physical therapy is also an important part of the recovery process to help the patient regain mobility and strength.
The recovery process after diabetes surgery typically involves a period of hospitalization followed by a gradual return to normal activities. Our team will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for yourself after surgery, including dietary recommendations and exercise guidelines.
While scoliosis surgery can significantly reduce the curvature of the spine, it is unlikely to completely straighten it. The goal of the surgery is to stabilize the spine and prevent the curvature from worsening, as well as to alleviate any pain or discomfort associated with the condition.
Why Lokman Hekim Health Group?
Lokman Hekim Health Group Istanbul Hospital
Lokman Hekim Health Group, equipped with the latest technology and experienced doctors with 25 years of international medical experience, offers first-class health services in all the branches you need.
As Lokman Hekim Health Group, one of the leading healthcare service brands in Turkiye, we are with you at every point you need, in every step you need to take advantage of our service, in order to provide first-class quality healthcare to our international patients and to maximize patient satisfaction.
To take advantage of our competitive prices please contact us now.
Why Türkiye?
Istanbul the capital of Turkey, eastern tourist city.
Turkiye is in the top 5 among the most popular destinations in the field of medical tourism due to its hospitals with advanced medical technology and well-trained and qualified medical staff. It has become a more preferred location compared to other health tourism locations, especially because Turkiye offers high-quality health services at an affordable price.
You can easily travel to Turkiye, which geographically combines Europe and Asia, no matter which continent you come from. In addition, according to your health status, you can organize touristic trips before or after your treatment or take advantage of shopping opportunities in Turkiye.
