Spinal Fusion Surgery For Scoliosis

Spinal fusion for scoliosis requires using medical-grade rods, screws, plates and wires to attach the curved part of the spine and help to straighten it. Small pieces of graft bones are also used to help the fusion. The pieces of the bone graft will grow between the two vertebras and join them eventually into the desired position. This is a major form of surgery and requires several hours of operation time.
There are new and advanced variations of performing this surgical procedure. The techniques, as well as equipments for the surgery, may also vary. The approach may also differ, as the surgeon might make an incision in the back or the front according to the location of the damaged vertebra so as to avoid damage to the soft tissue and nerves surrounding the vertebras. The surgical approach requiring an incision in the back is called the ‘posterior approach’ while the surgery needing an incision in the front (lower abdomen) is known as the ‘anterior approach’.
The exact type of treatment technique mainly depends on the age, maturity of the spine as well as the locationand severity of the spinal curve.

What to Expect after a Spinal Fusion for Scoliosis?

Antibiotics will be administered from the beginning of the surgical procedure to around 48 hours post-surgery to avoid the risk of infections at the surgical site.
Most people are required to spend a few days recovering at the hospital as their movements gradually improve. Brace for the back might also be needed after certain surgical methods.
The pain also gets alleviated faster with painkillers prescribed by the doctor and the person is able to get back to work within 1-2 weeks after the surgery.

What to Avoid after Scoliosis Surgery?

Heavy lifting, extreme bending and excessive stooping and twisting should be avoided for the first few weeks. Additional rest should be taken at home. Competitive sports that might put stress on the back should also be avoided for around 6-12 months post-surgery.

What is the Need of Spinal Fusion for Scoliosis?

Spinal fusion surgery for scoliosis is needed when:

1. The child has moderate to severe curve caused by scoliosis and the condition is worsening with time
2. Pain disables your ability to perform everyday tasks
3. Bracing does not help
4. Age, skeletal maturity level and the status of puberty of the patient
5. Location of the curve in the spine
6. Trouble breathing with disabling back pain
7. Very young child displays curve in spine which is abnormal 

How Successful is Spinal Fusion Surgery?

The success of the scoliosis surgery mainly depends on the flexibility of the curve as well as the technique used.
Extensive use of medical-aids (such as rods, screws, plates and wires) results in significant improvement in the shape of the spine when seen from the back and the sides.
The main aim of the spinal fusion surgery for scoliosis is not to straighten the spine but to fuse the damaged vertebras together to prevent further worsening of the curve.
Spinal fusion surgery for scoliosis helps to relieve the back pain almost immediately in most adults.

Why Choose Travcure for Scoliosis Surgery in India?

India is known for having the world’s largest and most comprehensive healthcare network. These are highly advanced and modern medical facilities that are equipped with the latest and cutting-edge technology for efficiency and effectiveness. Travcure is well-connected to this vast healthcare network and provides each patient from abroad with the most effective and affordable spinal fusion surgery for scoliosis in India.

SOURCE: https://travcure.com/get-the-most-effective-and-affordable-spinal-fusion-for-scoliosis-in-india/

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Laser Spine Surgery Vs Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

To begin with, laser spine surgery is still a controversial subject whereas minimally invasive spine surgery is well established & practiced by many orthopedic surgeons. Since there are several misconceptions regarding laser spine surgery, it would be right that we understand what it is before making an informed assessment.

What is Laser Spine Surgery?

Quite often used alongside minimally invasive surgery, laser spine surgery claims to be more efficient & effective than the other. This procedure utilizes laser to cut through in place of the scalpel which is used in traditional procedures. Nevertheless, laser spine surgery also requires an incision so as to insert the laser into the appropriate operation site. This laser is subsequently utilized for removal of soft tissues which are causing herniated disc symptoms. Moreover, lasers only play a small part in the laser spine surgery operation, wherein other operating tools are also required for removal of bone & ligaments.

What is Minimally Invasive Surgery?

Basic goal of minimally invasive surgery is to minimize trauma to surrounding tissue around spine & thereby result in less blood loss, lesser pain along with faster recovery. This is typically achieved by performing the operation through small sized incisions, using an endoscope or operating microscope in order to closely view structures within spine. While the endoscope probes through one small incision, special tiny operating instruments are inserted through another small incision. Muscles are separated through natural planes since they run vertically along back in order to gain access to spine. Healing time is therefore greatly reduced this way in comparison with traditional open spine surgery.

Choosing Between Laser Back Surgery or Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Although laser spine surgery can be effective for some spine surgeries, it may not be able to achieve successful results in treatment of lumbar disc herniation. However, minimally invasive surgery is able to prove effective in many cases of spinal problems, though tradition open procedures may be required in others. Moreover, since laser is a straight beam of light, it may at times be difficult to maneuver around corners in order to reach appropriate operation sites.

Affordable Laser Spine Surgery in India

India is an excellent destination for international patients to undergo affordable spine surgery at affordable costs, especially for laser spine surgery which is very expensive in other parts of the world. Nevertheless, all types of spine surgeries in India are low cost without compromising on quality of the procedure. Spine surgeons in India are well experienced & globally renowned to be highly skilled in performing the most complex orthopedic operations.

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Types of Spine Surgeries for Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most common complaints of people from all parts of the world. It is a very painful & uncomfortable condition which is usually not serious but one of the main reasons which forces people away from work & makes them visit doctors. Back pain is found to affect people of all ages. However, it is most common among people between 35 to 55 years of age. Research suggests that back pain is typically associated with how our ligaments, muscles & bones of the back work together. Pain in the upper back region is usually due to spine inflammation, tumors in chest region & disorders of the aorta. Reason for pain in low back area is due to skin around lumbar region, pelvic & abdominal internal organs, low-back muscles, nerves & spinal cord, discs & ligaments around spine, discs between vertebrae & the bony portion of lumbar spine.

Types of Spine Surgeries

There are three main types of spine surgeries performed for a number of back pain problems. These include the following.

1. Laminectomy – Removal of lamina or the back portion of bone over the spinal column is called laminectomy. This is most often performed for relieving pinched nerves (compression at nerve roots). This can at times happen to one or more than one nerve roots within the spinal column. Pinched nerves often cause pain in the back as well as in legs. In order to relieve pressure a segment of the entire lamina is sometimes removed.

2. Discectomy – This spine surgery involves removal of herniated vertebral disc in part or full. The procedure involves cutting of the outer annulus fibrosis at first while removing nucleus pulposus in order to relieve pressure on nerve root. Dissection is subsequently performed for removing ligament running from front to back for accessing spinal canal. Protruding disc material or any bone spurs are then removed through the ligament.

3. Spinal Fusion – This spine surgery procedure permanently fuses one or more than vertebrae. This will allow stability at that segment & correct deformity so as to relieve pain. For this purpose orthopedic surgeons usually harvest small pieces of bone from pelvic or hip region. This is meant to be placed between vertebrae. Spinal fusion operation may then go on to involve plates, metal cages, screws, rods or wires in order to provide immediate stability in many cases.

Affordable Spine Surgery in India

Spine surgery cost in India is unbelievably low when compared to similar procedures in the developed western world without having to compromise on quality. Apart from spine surgery costs, spine surgeons in India are some of the best in the world & many of whom have in fact initially trained & experienced in medically advanced countries like United Kingdom, Canada & the United States. Undergoing spine surgeries in India therefore is an excellent choice for international patients seeking affordable healthcare solutions beyond their homeland.

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