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Scoliosis is a lateral (sideways) curvature of the spine. The spinal column curves and twists causing problems which can extend to the ribs and pelvis. Often this happens in teenagers but can happen in children of any age. Smaller curves require no treatment with larger curves possibly requiring brace treatment or surgery. The surgery is usually a single operation to put instrumentation (metalwork or rods) in to correct the curve.
If the patient needs surgery but is of an age where they have lots of growth left, then a growth system may be offered. By doing this the spine can be corrected and encouraged to grow in a straighter position
There are a few different systems and your spinal consultant will discuss which option is recommended in each individual case.
Most patients will require further surgery either to insert a further growing system if the maximum length has been reached or to fuse the spine if the patient has nearly stopped growing.
Planned operations are when we take you back to theatre to do an expected operation such as lengthening the construct, or fusing the spine. Unfortunately, these systems also have a 40 – 50 percent chance of complications, and a 20 – 30 per cent chance of unplanned further surgery, mostly due to failure of the instrumentation because the spine is still mobile. The other main reasons for unplanned operations are infection in the wounds or around the metalwork, or because the scoliosis continues to get bigger as you grow.
References:
1. Systematic review of the complications associated with magnetically controlled growing rods for the treatment of early onset scoliosis. Eur Spine J (2018) 27:2062–2071
2. Growing rod concepts: state of the art. Eur Spine J (2013) 22 (Suppl 2):S118–S130
Your consultant spinal surgeon will discuss the available options in your particular case during your appointment.
It’s a good idea to jot down any questions you may have and bring them with you to clinic.
Spinal Nursing Team
0114 2267984
Orthotic Department
0114 2717271
Mr Breakwell, Mr Cole, Mr Athanassacopoulos, Mr Bayley, Miss Srinivas
Secretary 0114 2267981
Formetric scan advice
0114 226 0602
Switchboard 0114 2717000
Scoliosis Association (SAUK)
www.sauk.org.uk
020 8964 5343
Please note: this is a generic information sheet relating to care at Sheffield Children’s NHS FT. These details may not reflect treatment at other hospitals. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professionals’ instructions. If this resource relates to medicines, please read it alongside the medicine manufacturer’s patient information leaflet. If this information has been translated into another language from English, efforts have been made to maintain accuracy, but there may still be some translation errors. If you are unsure about any of the guidance in this resource or have specific questions about how it relates to your child, always ask your healthcare professional for further advice.
Resource number: SPN8
Resource Type: Article
Western Bank
Sheffield
S10 2TH
United Kingdom
Switchboard: 0114 271 7000
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