Spinal Archives - Resource Library - Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust

Why do I need a nerve root injection? A nerve root injection is done to help your consultant diagnose the cause for your leg or bottom pain, or as an attempt to treat it. Do I need someone with me on the day of the injection? A family member is allowed to be with you… Continue Reading Spinal...

This information resource will help you understand what to expect with your operation and how you can play an active part in your recovery. The aim of the enhanced recovery programme is to get you back to full health as quickly as possible after your scoliosis surgery. It is used after many...

This resource is for children who have been offered surgery for their kyphosis. Your child’s surgeon will go through all the information in this document in clinic during the consent process. This will hopefully help you understand the terms used and allow you to think of any questions before...

What is an EOS? The EOS scanner is a special piece of X-ray equipment that takes images of you while you are stood up. This means your bones can be imaged while you are in your usual posture, instead of lying down. The EOS scanner can take much larger pictures than normal X-ray cameras which...

You will be reviewed by your consultant at approximately 8 weeks after your scoliosis surgery. At this appointment, the range of movement and posture of your spine will be checked. If you are struggling with feelings of stiffness or your consultant thinks your movement or posture could be improved,...

This information is intended for those patients who have been offered surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Your treating surgeon will go through all the information in this document in clinic during the consent process. This will hopefully help you understand the terms used and allow you to...

This information is intended for children and young people who have been offered surgery for their congenital (present from birth) scoliosis. Your treating surgeon will go through all the information in this document in clinic during the consent process. This will hopefully help you understand the...

This information is intended for those who have been offered surgery for their neuromuscular scoliosis. Your treating surgeon will go through all the information in this document in clinic during the consent process. This will hopefully help you understand the terms used and allow you to think of...

The bracing service at Sheffield Children’s Hospital aims to get the best results possible. Bracing is a commitment for you and your family, and we understand how difficult it is to wear a full-time brace. Growth makes the scoliosis curves get bigger, so bracing will continue until you stop...

Why do I need a brace? A brace reduces the chance of the scoliosis curve getting bigger and needing surgery. Will the brace work? There is excellent scientific evidence that full-time braces reduce the risk of people going on to need surgery. The brace doesn’t work for everyone but is more likely...

What is the spinal cord? The spinal cord and the brain form the body’s central nervous system. The spinal cord lies inside the spine and it is extremely important as it allows nerve signals (messages) to reach the brain. If the spinal cord was damaged this would cause loss of feeling and...

Why do I need to have X-rays taken? Curves in the spine can become worse over time. X-rays are used to check whether your curve is worsening. If an operation is needed X-rays are taken and used by the surgeon to plan exactly what is needed to be done. Why do I need to stand… Continue Reading...

What is serial casting and why is it necessary? Serial casting is a treatment that is done over a period of time. The time span will vary depending on how quickly your child grows. A jacket is made of plaster of paris with a thin layer of padding underneath and it is moulded to fit… Continue...

What is OKM casting and why is it necessary? OKM casting is a treatment that is done over a period of time. The time span will vary depending on how quickly your child grows. A jacket is made of a mouldable plastic with a thin layer of fabric on both sides, and it is moulded… Continue Reading...

What will happen before the operation? You will be asked to come into to hospital the day before your surgery and one of your parents will be able to stay with you overnight. You will be able to eat until 2am and have sips of clear fluid, within reason, until the time of your surgery.…...

What is scoliosis? Scoliosis is a sideways (lateral) curvature of the spine. It is often combined with a rotation of the spine and ribs causing a hump. Your shoulders or waist may appear different and one shoulder blade may be more noticeable than the other. What is kyphosis? Kyphosis is a forwards...

What is scoliosis and what can be done? 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...

What happens before surgery? A few weeks before your surgery you will be asked to come into hospital just for a day for a pre-operation assessment. This is to check that you are fit for the operation and to make sure you know what will happen and why. Some investigations will be carried out...

What is scoliosis? Scoliosis is a lateral (sideways) curvature of the spine. The spinal column curves and twists causing problems which can also extend to the ribs and pelvis. For the majority of children this is very mild and no treatment will become necessary. For the small minority that need...