The treatment of severe spinal deformity should include a collaborative assessment between the orthopedic surgeon, anesthesiologist, pulmonologist and neurologist, according to an article published in Spine.
Researchers conducted a literature review on the experience treating patients with scoliosis and kyphosis. Patients who received an early multidisciplinary evaluation from professionals in all fields reported the best results. Advanced imaging of the spine with computed tomography was useful, especially when previous surgery had been performed.
Surgical treatment should be divided into three phases:
• Anchor placement, which should be predominantly pedicle screws placed in a segmental fashion as well as the use of reduction screws when performing vertebral column resections
• The physician should take steps to increase the flexibility of the spine and chest with incremental releases from simple posterior soft tissue releases to posterior facet resections and vertebral column resections
• The correction of the spine and chest wall deformity using one of many strategies that relies on a good anchor point fixation
The research also found that provisional rod fixation is critical when performing resections, and improvements in clinical radiographic appearance, pulmonary function and self image are often dramatic.
Read the abstract for "Management of Severe Spinal Deformity: Scoliosis and Kyphosis."
Read other coverage on spine surgery:
- Multiplex PCR Effective for Differentiating TVO From BVO
- Study: C-1 Lateral Mass Screw Fixation Effective for Treating Instability in Pediatric Patients
- Iliac Wing Fixation Could Improve Lumbosacral Fusion Rates
Researchers conducted a literature review on the experience treating patients with scoliosis and kyphosis. Patients who received an early multidisciplinary evaluation from professionals in all fields reported the best results. Advanced imaging of the spine with computed tomography was useful, especially when previous surgery had been performed.
Surgical treatment should be divided into three phases:
• Anchor placement, which should be predominantly pedicle screws placed in a segmental fashion as well as the use of reduction screws when performing vertebral column resections
• The physician should take steps to increase the flexibility of the spine and chest with incremental releases from simple posterior soft tissue releases to posterior facet resections and vertebral column resections
• The correction of the spine and chest wall deformity using one of many strategies that relies on a good anchor point fixation
The research also found that provisional rod fixation is critical when performing resections, and improvements in clinical radiographic appearance, pulmonary function and self image are often dramatic.
Read the abstract for "Management of Severe Spinal Deformity: Scoliosis and Kyphosis."
Read other coverage on spine surgery:
- Multiplex PCR Effective for Differentiating TVO From BVO
- Study: C-1 Lateral Mass Screw Fixation Effective for Treating Instability in Pediatric Patients
- Iliac Wing Fixation Could Improve Lumbosacral Fusion Rates