The primary goal of deformity surgery is to achieve balanced spinal alignment through stable fusion, preventing further deformity and relieving neurological symptoms.
Q. What are spinal deformities?
Ans: Spinal deformities are deviations or rotations in the spine’s natural curve.
Types of Spinal Deformities
Kyphosis: A hump-like curvature in the upper back.
Lordosis: An inward curvature of the lower back.
Scoliosis: A sideways deviation, where the spine curves left or right when viewed from the front or back.
Symptoms vary by deformity type and can include:
Diagnosis involves a specialist's evaluation through:
Treatment goals include:
If the deformity is stable and symptoms are minimal, regular monitoring may suffice. Physical therapies can also help correct spine orientation and slow curve progression.
Surgery involves realigning the spine with instrumentation and spinal fusion, holding it in the corrected position to prevent further curvature.
Surgeons use rods, screws, and bone grafts to encourage stable bone growth. Recovery generally takes about 3 months.
Treatment differs by age: Children’s bones are still growing, so nonsurgical treatments like braces can help guide spinal growth. For adults, braces may ease pain without changing spine alignment.
For older adults with osteoporosis, treatment may include calcium, hormone therapy, and exercises to enhance bone density. Braces and orthotics help reduce discomfort without altering the spine’s position.