Scoliosis is the lateral curvature of the spine that can be seen in the chest or waist regions. In a normal and healthy spine, the vertebrae extend in a straight line from top to bottom, that is, in the neck, back and waist regions when viewed from the back. In scoliosis, the vertebrae are displaced to the right or left and at the same time rotate around their own axis. When the spine is viewed from behind, the curvature can be noticed even when standing straight, sometimes not so clearly, and can only be understood on controls and X-rays in case of forward bending.
HOW TO UNDERSTAND
Scoliosis is mostly seen in adolescence and if it is not intervened in the early stages, it can cause irreparable damage to both cosmetic and heart and respiratory system. Observing the body shape of the patient and himself, some symptoms recognition is important in diagnosing the disease. These symptoms are;
Inequality between shoulder levels
Asymmetry in the lumbar pits
One side protruding from the backbone
Bone bulge on one side of the back (bump appearance on the scapula)
Shifting to the right or left in the body balance
DIAGNOSTIC METHODS
The diagnosis of scoliosis is an x-ray film that covers the entire spine and clinical examination reveals the above-mentioned symptoms. It is placed with the presence of one or more of them. When the diagnosis of scoliosis is made, MRI examination is required for the cause. In the anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of the entire spine taken standing, the angle between the vertebrae where the curvature begins and ends is measured and followed according to the progression of this angle. This angle is called the Cobb angle.
TREATMENT
Surgical treatment is the only option for curves above 40 degrees and in patients with continued growth potential. Surgical treatment can be performed successfully with the help of implants (screw-rod) placed on the back and waist. Monitoring the spinal cord functions (neuromonitorization) during surgery is a method that increases the reliability of the procedure for the patient and the physician, and is routinely used in our center.
The operation process is organized very professionally for the comfort of the patients. The surgical method to be applied is determined by your doctor according to the type of scoliosis and the procedures to be performed are explained to you in detail. In 90% of our patients, results are obtained with a single surgery. The next day after the operation, the patients stand up and walk. The hospital stay is about 5 days. After the third week after the surgery, it is usually possible to return to daily activities.
