Scoliosis surgery
From Scoliosis Wiki
The primary objectives of surgical treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with instrumentation are to
- Arrest progression
- Achieve maximum permanent correction of the deformity in three dimensions
- Improve appearance by balancing the trunk
- Keep short-term and long-term complications to a minimum.
The generally agreed indication for surgery in adolescents is a primary curve greater than a Cobb angle of 45°. In adults, the surgical indications are pain related to the curvature that is unresponsive to non-operative management, curve progression that has exacerbated symptoms, and functional capabilities.
Scoliosis surgery in the modern day often uses Cotrel-Dubousset pedicle screw system compared with the older Harrington rod and hooks. But, sometimes they use a combination of rods, hooks and pedicle screws as can be seen in this picture of a teenager with AIS treated by posterior instrumentation.
Information above was taken from:
- Weinstein SL, Dolan LA, Cheng JC, Danielsson A, Morcuende JA. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Lancet. 2008 May 3;371(9623):1527-37. Review.
