About 7 million people in the United States are affected by Scoliosis, an abnormal curvature of the spine.Scoliotic curves can vary between the right and left and involve twisting of the spine.Only adults with curves greater than 50 degrees are recommended for Scoliosis surgery.The operation for Scoliosis usually involves metal rods, wires, and/or screws.It can be physically and emotionally traumatic, like any surgery.Specific steps should be taken to deal with the repercussions.
Step 1: Scoliosis can be learned.
The spine is usually curved like the letter "S" in order to best support the body and allow for flexibility.The spine should be straight when viewed from behind.Many people with less than 10 degrees oflateral deviation are not diagnosed as Scoliosis because it doesn't cause any problems.Congenital spine deformities (present at birth), spina bifida, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spine infections, trauma from accidents and certain spine tumors are some of the possible causes of scoliosis.Girls have a higher risk of severe scoliosis than boys, which often requires surgery.Most people who are diagnosed with Scoliosis don't have a family history of the condition.
Step 2: Scoliosis doesn't always require surgery.
Curves are not considered significant until they are greater than 25 degrees.Mild and moderate curvatures are not considered for surgery if they cause no problems.It's hard to tell with clothes on if you have mild-to-moderate Scoliosis.The diagnosis of Scoliosis can sound worse than how the condition presents or any symptoms that it may cause.People with mild-to-moderate scoliosis live normal lives and can even become top-class athletes, so don't worry about an initial diagnosis.A prominent shoulder blade that creates a hump, one hip higher than the other (uneven waist), ribs that protrude more on one side, and a head that's not centered over the torso are common deformities related to Scoliosis.Most mild scoliotic curves don't cause back pain because they appear gradually.
Step 3: It's a good idea to recognize when surgery is needed.
It's not enough to see a scoliotic curve at around 30 degrees.It's not until a curve reaches 40 degrees that a doctor starts to consider surgery, but only if there are signs of rapid progression and/or serious symptoms.Most doctors recommend surgery to reduce the risk of disabling symptoms as curves approach 45 degrees in a younger teenager.Scoliosis can make it difficult to breathe and work harder because it puts the rib cage against the lungs and heart.The scoliotic curves located in the mid back are more likely to grow and get worse than the curves in upper and lower parts of the spine.During the growth spurt between the ages of nine and 15 years old, there are signs and symptoms of Scoliosis.Scoliosis progression becomes very low when a teenager's bones stop growing.
Step 4: Understand what the surgeon recommends.
Scoliosis surgery involves realigning the curved vertebrae so that they heal into a single, solid bone.A bone graft is small pieces of bone that are placed into the spaces between the vertebrae to be fused.When a broken bone heals, the bones grow together.There's a choice of whether the bone is taken from somewhere on your body or from a deceased donor.Allograft bone can be mixed with your own marrow to improve its bone fusion capability.The donor area can hurt for a long time if you use your own bone.The surgery stops curves from progressing and improves the patient's appearance.Most severe curves are reduced to less than 25 degrees with surgery.The metal rods are used to hold the spine in place until fusion happens.The metal rods are attached to the spine by screws, hooks, and wires and are usually removed at a later time.
Step 5: Understand the procedure.
Scoliosis operations usually involve cutting into the back where the curve is most pronounced, but sometimes with more complicated cases, the surgeon will go through the chest and address the front of the twisted vertebrae.Scoliosis surgeries go through the back side of the body to address the Thoracic curves, which are between the shoulder blades and below.With time, scars fade.Incisions to repair a single scoliotic curve are generally 10 inches long.The scar is not very noticeable after about six to eight months.It usually takes at least three months for the spine to come together, but it will take an additional year or two for it to be fused completely.
Step 6: You can schedule the surgery at a convenient time.
The decision to get spine surgery is bound to cause anxiousness and fear, so help mitigate that by getting it done at a convenient time that will allow for proper healing and recovery.If you're still in school, plan the surgery around a summer break because most surgeons agree that it's rarely an emergency.Saving up your vacation days and getting it done during cooler months will make your recovery more comfortable and it will be less tempting to be active before you are ready.The surgeon and his team will manage the pain during the first couple of days.Most teenagers can return to school within three to four weeks after having surgery.It is difficult to estimate return to work for adults because of all the factors involved.
Step 7: Don't rush to the hospital.
Depending on age, health condition, and surgical procedure, each patient's hospital stay varies.Most hospital stays are four days, but it may last up to seven days.An Epidural catheter can be inserted into your back to control pain for the first three days after it is removed.A catheter is placed in your bladder so that you don't have to walk to the bathroom if you fall.A physical therapist will help you get out of bed and walk over the course of your stay.You should be able to climb stairs by the fourth day.Everybody heals at different rates, so if you need more time to reach physical milestones, don't worry.Before being discharged, x-rays will be taken to make sure there are no problems with the implants.You'll have to take precautions while bathing yourself because the bandaging covering your incision shouldn't be disturbed until a follow-up visit with your doctor.Lifting, twisting, and bending are discouraged for about three months after surgery because the spine will be better if it is kept immobile.
Step 8: You should stop taking pain medications.
As you get ready to leave the hospital, your doctor will give you a strong prescription for the pain medication.If taken for more than a few weeks, they can become addictive.Once you get settled in at home, you'll be encouraged to switch to over-the-counter acetaminophen.By three to six weeks after surgery, there should be no need for pain medicine.If you're having trouble getting rid of pain medications, you should talk to your doctor.Taking medications on an empty stomach can irritate the lining of your stomach and increase the risk of stomach ulcers.Do not take analgesics at the same time as NSAID's.Side effects can be worse if you mix different drug classes.
Step 9: While recovering, be patient.
Once you're at home, you shouldn't be very active for two weeks.The most important time to heal is this one.Prepare for a lot of sponge baths because the dressing over the incision should not be disturbed.Heavy lifting, running and jumping are not allowed for the first 6 months.Light activities can be allowed after eight to 10 months if everything is healing normally.Running, jumping and non-contact sports are allowed at 10 to 12 months.If you play sports like football or hockey, you can't have physical contact for a year or more after surgery, so be prepared to miss at least a full season of sports.Most people are able to perform all activities of daily living and sports after having a spine fusion.Patients will not be allowed to play sports after spine fusion surgery.
Step 10: If necessary, get counseling.
The physical trauma and pain of surgery, as well as the emotional stress caused by fear, is a lot to take, especially for adolescents who might feel their lives are ruined.If the stress is too much to bear, contact a school counselor or have your doctor refer you to a mental health professional.Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help with stress, anxiety, and depression.The truth is that the vast majority of people who need surgery lead a normal life.Females with Scoliosis can still become pregnant and deliver babies.Growth is unaffected by fusion surgery and it has minimal effects on height.A 1/2 inch adds to a person's height.The metal rods can sometimes be felt, but rarely seen, so there's no need to be concerned.