Op. Dr. Fatih Kırar

Scoliosis is a three-dimensional deformity of the spine, which is the most common spinal deformity and causes extremely serious posture disorders in the later stages. A healthy spine should appear straight when viewed from front to back. Spreading to the right or tilting to the left is described as “scoliosis”.

The first important criterion in scoliosis is the age of the patient and the second is the degree of curvature.

By evaluating all these, surgery can be decided especially in advanced degrees, above 40 degrees. In surgeries, we use magnetic magnifying robots with technology to fix the spine with screws and ensure that these existing bending angles are restored to normal mathematical form. Here is what you need to know in Scoliosis Surgery;

How to recognize scoliosis?

  • Scoliosis is a condition characterized by the spine curving in the wrong direction. Typically, the spine may be curved in an “S” or “C” shape in side view. Usually scoliosis becomes apparent during a cahild’s adolescence, when the spine should be properly aligned. To determine whether a person has scoliosis, methods such as a doctor’s examination, X-ray examination and physical examination can be used.

Causes of Scoliosis:

  • Although the exact causes of scoliosis are not known, several factors may play a role in its development. These factors may include genetic predisposition, muscle and connective tissue weakness, disorders in spinal development and neuromuscular diseases. In some cases, the cause of scoliosis cannot be determined, a condition called “idiopathic scoliosis”.

What is Scoliosis Surgery?

  • Scoliosis surgery is a treatment that involves surgical intervention to correct and stabilize the spine. Surgery can be used to correct curvatures in the spine, stabilize the spine and improve a person’s quality of life.

Surgical Methods

  • There are various surgical methods for scoliosis surgery. These may include techniques such as posterior spinal fusion, anterior spinal fusion, and vertebral body tethering. The type of surgery will depend on the patient’s condition, the severity of the scoliosis and other factors.

Who is Scoliosis Surgery Suitable for?

  • Scoliosis surgery is usually performed on people whose spinal curvature has progressed and has not responded to conservative treatments. Generally, the severity of scoliosis and the amount of curvature in the spine play an important role in determining the need for surgical intervention.

Pre-Surgical Evaluation

An assessment is performed prior to scoliosis surgery. This evaluation includes assessing the patient’s general health status, severity of scoliosis, spinal mobility and other potential risk factors. It is also important to inform the patient and his/her family in detail before surgery and to explain the expectations after surgery.

Recovery after Scoliosis Surgery

Recovery after scoliosis surgery involves the healing and strengthening of the patient’s spine after surgery. This process can vary depending on the type of surgery and the severity of the scoliosis. Physical therapy, pain management and other supportive treatments are usually applied throughout the recovery process.

Long Term Care

Long-term care after scoliosis surgery aims to maintain the stability of the patient’s spine and ensure functional recovery. This may include regular medical check-ups, physical therapy, exercise programs and lifestyle changes that support spinal health. The goal of long-term care is to help the patient combat the effects of scoliosis and improve their quality of life.

Which Sports Should I Do for the Spine?

In-water sports and swimming have important effects on maintaining body balance and increasing endurance. However, backstroke or freestyle swimming movements are recommended instead of butterfly style and similar challenging styles.

Does Scoliosis Cause Short Stature?

Scoliosis can cause short stature between the ages of 14 and 16. Any scoliosis above 45 degrees requires surgery. For this reason, it is necessary to carefully check whether your children’s height shortens between the ages of 14 and 16. You can also watch this video;